Elaborate Vase


Bryant Vase
Tiffany & Co. (1837 - present)
Designed by James H. Whitehouse (1833-1902)
Chased by Eugene J. Soligny (1832-1901)
Five medallions attributed to Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1948-1907)
New York City, 1876
Silver, 33 1/2 x 14 x 11 5/16 in. (85.1 x 35.6 x 28.7 cm); Diam. 11 5/16 in. (28.7cm); 452 oz. 16 dwt. (14084.2 g)


Detail of medallion with Bryant's portrait...

(From info card and museum website)
"To honor the poet and newspaper editor William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878) on his eightieth birthday, a group of his friends commissioned "a commemorative Vase of original design and choice workmanship' that would 'embody...the lessons of [his] literary and civic career.' Its design, which combines Renaissance Revival sensibilities with those of the Aesthetic movement, consists of a Greek vase form ornamented with symbolic imagery and motifs. The fretwork of American flora covering the body of the vase, including apple branches and blossoms, represents the beauty and wholesome quality of Bryant's poetry, while the scenes in the oval medallions allude to his life and works."
"Truth crushed to earth shall rise again" (a famous line from his poetry) is inlaid in gold around the neck of the vase."


My photo made "THE SPOTLIGHT": "Be sure to click the photo to view detail of the amazing silversmithing."
Thank you, this vase is probably one of the most elaborate creations on the planet!

photos ©Joan Lansberry, 2009-2011

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