Images(5)

Patriotic fund vase

Maker Digby Scott (British, act. 1802 - 1806)

Maker Benjamin Smith III (British, 1793 - 1850)

Collections

British Decorative Art Highlights

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS

Date1805

Mediumsilver

Dimensions15 1/4 x 5 7/8 x 5 1/2 in. (38.7 x 14.9 x 14 cm.)

DescriptionThis vase in amphora form with high handles has a flat cover surmounted with a lion passant. The upper section of the vase is decorated with a laurel leaf border at the neck. The lower section has on one side a figure of Britannia holding winged Victory in her hand, and on the other side Hercules slaying the Hydra. The lower part has acanthus leaf and acorn decoration with a circular foot.

InscribedInscribed: (G 505) [rim of foot; maker's mark, date letter, lion passant on underside of detachable collar and lid]; From the Patriotic Fund at Lloyd's/to Thomas Lavie, Esq, Captain of H.M.S. Blanche,/For his Zeal and activity in pursuit and his Skill and Bravery in the/Capture of the French Frigate, La Guerriere, of Superior Force/off the Ferroe Islands, on the 19th July 1806/as recorded in the London Gazette of the 29th of that month [on collar]; RUNDELL BRIDGE ET RUNDELL AURIFICES REGIS ET PRINCIPIS WALLIAE LONDONI FECERUNT [stamped on the base following the hallmarks]

MarkingsMark;

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Purchased with funds from the Abigail von Schlegell Fund

Status

Not on view

Label TextThis large silver vase recalls classical Greek pottery design. It is one of sixty-six vases awarded by the shipping insurance firm Lloyd’s in the early 19th century to veterans of the British navy in recognition of distinguished services. This vase was given to Captain Thomas Lavie for his skill and bravery in the capture of a French warship in the North Atlantic in 1806. It is decorated with patriotic imagery, including a seated figure of Britannia, whose raised hand supports a figure of Victory. The lid features a finial in the shape of a lion, a symbol of England.

Object number72.9