Epergne

1794-1795

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Joseph Preedy, William Pitts, and others

Epergne

1794-1795

Physical Qualities Silver, sterling standard, 15 x 25 in.

Credit Line Bequest of Sophia P.T. Trowbridge in Memory of her Mother, Sophia Clapham Pennington Tailer

Object Number 1951.165

The epergne is an elaborate and showy centerpiece made of baskets that would have been filled with luxurious fruits or sweets. The form takes its name from the French word épergne, which means either “saving” (saving dinner guests the trouble of passing food) or “spare,” referring to the extra sweets in the little baskets that surround the large central one like satellite moons. The first known use of the term is 1754; only 3 decades passed before this example was made in London. The epergne is engraved with the arms of Carroll – a prominent family closely intertwined with Maryland’s origins as a haven for Catholics. The shape of the baskets and the swags of decoration might be compared with the plaster ornament on the walls and ceiling of the Willow Brook room.

Inscribed: Engraved arms: Carroll, for a female member of the Carroll family of Maryland.

Markings: (a) stamped on side: "TP", lion, crowned lion, "m", male profile (b) stamped on underside: same as above (c) stamped on side: "TP", lion/etched on side: "4" (d) stamped on side: "TP", lion/etched on side: "3" (e) stamped on side: "TP", lion/etched on side: "2" (f) stamped on side: "male profile, lion, "t", "W.P.", three dots (g) stamped on side: lion, "TP", one dot (h) stamped on side: male profile, lion, "t", "W.P. /L.P.", four dots (i) stamped on side: "T.P.", lion, etched on side: "2", two dots (j) stamped on side: lion, "TP"/etched on side: "1" (k) stamped on exterior side: "pp" (one over the other vertically), male profile, lion, "t" (m) stamped on underside: male profile, lion, "TP"/etched on underside: "X" (n) stamped on underside: male profile, lion, "TP" (o) stamped on underside: male profile, lion, "TP", etched on underside: "X" (p) stamped on underside: male profile, lion, "TP", etched on underside: "X" (q) stamped on underside: male profile, lion, "TP", etched on underside: "X" (r) stamped on exterior side:"pp" (one over the other vertically), male profile, lion, "t" ex. k and r: p p

Maker

Joseph Preedy

English, London, working together with William Pitts 1791-1799

Meet Joseph Preedy

Maker

William Pitts

English, London, working together with Joseph Preedy 1791-1799

Meet William Pitts

Maker

Thomas Pitts I

English, working London, 1766-c. 1790

Meet Thomas Pitts I