- 71
Silver Figural Centerpiece, Tiffany & Co., Circa 1870-74
Estimate
150,000 - 250,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- marked underneath base and baskets, base numbered 2960-804 and stamped UNION SQUARE, baskets numbered 2960-6832
- silver, glass
- length: 49 in.
- 124.5 cm.
the base raised on eight bird's-claw and acroteria feet and centered by an oval mirror, each side applied with a putto wearing a woven hat and holding a scythe and wheat stalks, the ends with putti terms supporting three detachable leaf-capped scroll branches topped by detachable baskets with pendant grapes
Condition
base lacking 6 bolts but everything securely attached, mirror with two small spots of discoloration near edge; otherwise very good condition, well-modeled and crisp
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
This centerpiece is attributed to Tiffany's designer, James H. Whitehouse, based on the modeling of the putti terms, which are found on pieces definitively designed by Whitehouse. The classical vocabulary, architectural ornament, and attention to detail are also all indicators of Whitehouse's style.
Born in Staffordshire, England and educated in metalworking at King Edward's School in Birmingham, Whitehouse immigrated to New York in 1855 at the age of twenty-two. He first appears in the Brooklyn City Directory living at 36 Prospect Street, in the neighborhood now known as Park Slope. He was hired by Tiffany & Co. on May 2, 1858.
Born in Staffordshire, England and educated in metalworking at King Edward's School in Birmingham, Whitehouse immigrated to New York in 1855 at the age of twenty-two. He first appears in the Brooklyn City Directory living at 36 Prospect Street, in the neighborhood now known as Park Slope. He was hired by Tiffany & Co. on May 2, 1858.
During his 44-year career at Tiffany & Co., Whitehouse produced many of the firm's most important silver pieces. Among his most celebrated works is the William Cullen Bryant vase presented to the poet in 1876 and now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Also notable is the Bartholdi Testimonial presented to Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, two weeks after the inauguration of the statue in 1886 and now in the Musée Bartholdi, Colmar. As a designer of numerous National medals during the Civil War, in 1884 Whitehouse was also asked to design the third seal of the United States, as depicted on the dollar bill.