Daniel Smith & Robert Sharp Vases

A fine and rare 18th century George III silver-gilt vase by Daniel Smith and Robert Sharp, London 1770. Based on a design by the Italian printmaker Stefano della Bella (1610-1664). The design was adapted by the architect Robert Adam (1728-1792). The overall form of the vase and some of the ornaments, such as the drapery swags, figural masks and acanthus leaves on the body, are based on a design by the Italian printmaker Stefano della Bella (1610-1664). He produced about 1,400 prints during his lifetime which were very influential, particularly a series of designs for vases in Raccolta di Vasi Diversi, published between 1639 and 1648. The design was adapted by the architect Robert Adam (1728-1792), whose drawing, now in Sir John Soane's Museum in London and was copied by the highly-fashionable silversmithing partnership Daniel Smith and Robert Sharp. Daniel Smith and Robert Sharp’s partnership ran from 1763-1788. They supplied high-quality silver and silver gilt in the Neo-classical style to the most fashionable retailers and clients, including the Prince Regent. They were the principal manufacturers of a series of magnificent race cups, one of which was designed by the architect Robert Adam (1728-1792) and another is in the Royal collection Robert Adam (1728-1792) was arguably the most famous eighteenth century British architect and designer, whose remarkable career in partnership with his brothers James and William has been thoroughly documented elsewhere and whose major commissions can still be seen at Harewood House...