Title
“Three Graces and Cupid” eight-light candelabrum
Creator
Date
1822
Description
“Three Graces and Cupid” eight-light candelabrum (English, London, 1822) by Paul Storr (English, 1771-1844), composed of solid sterling silver. The shaped base rests on four shell and scroll feet with applied foliage between. The lower portion of the candelabrum is decorated with four griffons, between which is a coat-of-arms for the first owner of the piece, Baron Henrique Teixeira de Sampaio of Portugal. The upper portion of the candelabrum is formed by three classically dressed female figures, representing the Three Graces, reaching for Cupid, who sits above them in a palm tree. The palm fronds support the sockets and detachable nozzles of the candelabrum.
This piece was previously described as representing “The Judgement of Paris”, however there are no clear allusions to that subject. Instead, it is now agreed upon to represent the “Three Graces and Cupid”, who is identifiable by his attributes including two doves and an arrow, which he threatens to lob at the Graces. This subject was represented by other important artists and manufacturers of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, including Angelica Kauffman and the Derby Porcelain Factory.
This piece was previously described as representing “The Judgement of Paris”, however there are no clear allusions to that subject. Instead, it is now agreed upon to represent the “Three Graces and Cupid”, who is identifiable by his attributes including two doves and an arrow, which he threatens to lob at the Graces. This subject was represented by other important artists and manufacturers of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, including Angelica Kauffman and the Derby Porcelain Factory.
Cultural Origin
English
Medium
silver
Extent
109.2 cm (43 inches)
Collection
Source
Donated by Mrs. Martha Crawford von Bulow, 1976.
Identifier
PSNC.540.1a-c
For more information about this item, please contact its owning institution.