Tureen

Description

An early example of an American silver tureen, this high lid over a a wide bowl with cast acanthus leaf handles and smooth reflective planes supported by a narrow pedestal foot was likely inspired by contemporary French interpretations of antique vases and urns. An elliptical silver stand or undertray of a proportionate size often accompanied a tureen as part of a costly and conspicuous serving vessel designed to keep the stew or soup contents warm. This tureen was originally one of a pair, and both were engraved with an armorial device and Latin motto "DANT FACTA HANC CORONAM" (the crown/reward comes from deeds) used by a branch of the Ball family in New York. The maker, Hugh Wishart, worked in New York City and was most active as a silversmith making flatware and dining service items from 1793 until 1824. Ambitious and important commissions for tureens or large hollowware were infrequent, but a set of three oblong tureens bearing his mark are in the collection of the Museum of the City of New York. This tureen left the Ball family's ownership, was owned privately in Florida and sold by Sotheby's Auctions in New York on October 21, 1965, lot 106. It was acquired from silver dealer S. J. Shrubsole's in New York by The Campbell Museum in 1966. In 1996 the Campbell Museum transferred by gift their significant collection of tureens and soup related items to Winterthur Museum.