William Thomson
Pitcher

CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Pitcher
Datec. 1820–1825
Made inNew York , New York, United States
MediumSilver
Dimensions12 1/4 × 9 5/8 × 6 1/4 in. (31.1 × 24.4 × 15.9 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by Chris and Tom Alan Cunningham in honor of Jeanne Moran Cunningham at "One Great Night in November, 1993"
Object numberB.93.23
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Metals Study Room
Exposé

Explore Further

Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
Description

This pitcher introduces a totally different aesthetic from the previous examples (B.77.16, B.91.48.1, .2, and B.93.24). Its design is firmly rooted in the Grecian style, complete with scrolled acanthus leaf handle and dolphin finial. Its body is characterized by an expanse of smooth surfaces and a restrained ornament. The principal die-rolled band appears to be unique: a panoramic depiction of a fox hunt, it presents mounted hunters dashing cross-country with their hounds in pursuit of the prey. Regrettably, this vessel’s early history is not known, although the decorative band suggests that it might have been commissioned for presentation at a hunt.

Technical notes: The foot stem, body and collar are all raised and soldered together. Air vents are located in the lowest scrolls at the top and bottom of the handle. The dolphin finial is soldered in place with an interior air vent. The five-part hinged lid is secured by a removable pin, which allows the cover to be detached.

Related examples: Although no similar pitcher from Thomson’s shop is published, the form is reminiscent of Rice 1964, pp. 48, 53, 55.

Book excerpt: David B. Warren, Michael K. Brown, Elizabeth Ann Coleman, and Emily Ballew Neff.  American Decorative Arts and Paintings in the Bayou Bend Collection. Houston: Princeton Univ. Press, 1998.


Provenance[Hirschl & Adler Galleries, New York]; purchased by MFAH, 1993.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Engraved on side: MSM
Underneath body: mark of William Thomson [Darling 1964, p. 176]

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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