18th Century George II Silver Epergne by Thomas Gilpin

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18th Century George II Silver Epergne by Thomas Gilpin

About the Item

Renowned 18th century English silversmith Thomas Gilpin, regarded as one of the great Rococo silversmiths and a contemporary of Paul de Lamerie, created this highly important silver epergne. A lasting symbol of dining elegance and social status for over 300 years, the crafting of an epergne was considered to be the truest test of skill for a silversmith. The quality and workmanship of this grand example make it clear why the epergne was considered much more than a dining accessory, but rather a status symbol of influence and taste. Measuring nearly two feet in width and depth, the entire epergne is cast and chased with astounding intricacy in a pierced motif of foliate swags, scrolls, blooms, and acanthus. Eight branches terminating in silver-trimmed cut glass bowls radiate from the epergnes center, a rare feature considering most epergnes feature four to six branches. The detachable central basket mirrors the breathtaking quality seen throughout and features the crest of the Earl of Shrewsbury prominently engraved. In every way, this epergne is a jewel in the crown of Georgian silver artistry. Thomas Gilpin is known as one of the most talented and accomplished Rococo silversmiths of the mid-18th century. From his workshop located on Serle Street at Lincoln’s Inn Field, the silversmith created some of the most extravagant silver works of his day for England’s elite. In fact, a significant collection of Gilpin’s silver can be found at Althorp, the grand estate of the aristocratic Spencer family, the family of the late Princess Diana. New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art also houses the silversmith’s creations, yet none of these locales possess an amazing and masterfully crafted specimen as this epergne. The Epergne The term epergne, a word derived from the French "epaigner," meaning “thrifty,” is used to describe a table centerpiece, most notably made of silver, that has a central bowl and branches from which are suspended delicate baskets to hold sweets, relishes, jellies, fruits, nuts, sweetmeats and other condiments. The epergne’s center basket would have displayed flowers or other exotic foods afforded only to the wealthy. The epergne arrived in England in the first quarter of the 18th century. In England, epergnes were called “save-alls,” noting the servant’s work that was saved by having items within arm’s reach on the table. The earliest record of an epergne is in 1725, and extant pieces date from the 1730s. The form was intended to accommodate what was known at the time as the French style of dining or service à la française. This particular dining method dated to the Medieval period and required all the courses of the meal to be served at the same time, and guests helped themselves, rather than being served by butlers or footmen. This meant there was very little room to navigate on such a crowded table, making the epergne a valued element of the fine dining experience. This style of eating would not change until the mid-19th century when the service à la russe – service in the Russian style comprising of “courses” – became the preferred dining method used today. It is believed that the design of the epergne is an evolution of several dining pieces. The nef, a dining centerpiece in the form of a boat, originated in the Middle Ages and was used to hold salt or other condiments. Other influences include the salt, a ceremonial dish used in the Elizabethan period, and the surtout de table, a French centerpiece popular in the early 18th century. By the mid-1700s, the form had evolved to what we know today as the epergne. Silversmith’s Museums and Collections:Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York;Althorp, Northamptonshire, England Hallmarked Thomas Gilpin, London, 1757 23" wide x 21" deep x 15 1/2" high.

Creator:
Thomas Gilpin (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 15.5 in (39.37 cm)Width: 23 in (58.42 cm)Depth: 21 in (53.34 cm)
Style:
Georgian (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Cut Glass,Silver,Cast
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1757
Condition:
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 30-77131stDibs: LU891110485891