Sherry Errera

Description

In 1585, the famous French medalist and die-cutter, Francois Briot, was commissioned to engrave a piece for the Duke of Wurttemburg. The piece was so fabulous that the Duke gave him the title “Gravure de Son Excellence.” Briot’s “The Tempe rantia” has since become one of the most reproduced pieces in the world, with several reproductions becoming nearly as famous as the original, which is now housed at the Louvre in Paris. The earliest reproduction to gain fame was made in the early 17th century by a modeller from Nuremberg, Germany named Caspar Enderlein. This reproduction was later exhibited at the V&A in London.
England, known for its master silversmiths and fine sterling silver production, eventually produced a master maker named George Elkington. Elkington came from a family of silversmiths and formed Elkington & Co in the early 19th century. Skilled in electrotyping, the Elkingtons supplied museums with reproductions of famous artworks for display purposes while the originals were kept in vaults. One such Elkington commission for the V&A was an electrotype of Endelein’s Temper Rania. In 1849, Elkington purchased a plaster cast from German archaeologist Dr. Emil Braun, a patron of the V&A, to create the electrotype. Although Elkington went on to make and sell reproductions of the V&A electrotype in various forms of electroplated metals, one special commission became part of sports history with a tradition that continues to this day.

In 1864, Elkington was commissioned to create a trophy for the Wimbledon Ladies Singles Championship. He crafted a fine gilt bronze and silver presentation buffet dish renamed The Venus Rosewater Basin, which was first presented at Wimbledon in 1886. Since then, it has been presented to each winner with their names engraved. For sale here is one such very early electrotype made by Elkington & Co, as early as 1862, likely an exhibition piece. As can be seen from its reverse side, it has been cast from several molds and its parts welded together to recreate the original design. The hallmark is now very faded and hard to decipher, but can be found in books published by the Sheffield, England registry of marks.

The design of the Temperance/Venus Rosewater Basin is a masterpiece of storytelling. It is embellished with figures from classical mythology, with the central figure being Temperance (Venus) holding a wine cup. Four plaques depict figures representing air, water, earth, and fire circling around the central figure. Oval panels on the rim illustrate the Seven Liberal Arts – Grammar, Reason, Rhetoric, Music, Arithmetic, Geometry, and Astrology – and their patron Minerva. The front of the basin is no less intricately constructed, with layers of metal filigree that provide immense depth and space for the perfect patina to emerge over time, which this piece has done. When first received, the basin was dark and matte with tarnish and dirt, and some areas where the design’s relief had worn down with time. Careful cleaning and polishing have restored much of its original glow and polish without disturbing the sought-after patina that only an antique can provide.
The reverse of this variant is rough and not intended for tabletop use or visibility. Therefore, it may be a rare publicly available hands-off display electrotype produced by Elkington during its time. The basin (or charger) is 18 inches round and made of gilt bronze or pewter.

Measurements: 18″ Round, 3″ Deep