Bowl

Description

This elegant silver bowl has a tulip form, transitioning from a circular lower bowl into a perfect octagon with a thick, molded rim at the opening. The bowl is supported by four hollow, cast silver feet in the shape of scrolls ornamented with acanthus leaves. On two opposite sides of the body exterior are matching chased cartouche ornaments surrounding a reserve, a blank space, and one side has “Susan Chapman from her Mother.” engraved in script. On the underside is a stamped mark of the maker's name and the mark indicating his workshop location. Unfortunately more is known about the maker than the recipient of this bowl. Silver items given or inherited through maternal lines were not unusual for this era, but the age and residence of Susan Chapman are not yet known. Gerardus Boyce had a long and successful career in New York and this bowl represents an example of his style transitioning into the rococo revival designs just coming into favor. His workshop produced silver noted for its superior workmanship of chasing, elaborate decorative motifs in a variety of exotic styles, and for die-rolled bands of ornament depicting panoramic landscapes. In addition to private gifts, like this functional bowl, Boyce received civic commissions. In 1847 he designed and created a presentation service of more than 118 individual items given to the widow of Mr. Silas Wright in recognition of his political service in New York.