Robert Hennell I
Epergne

Public Domain

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Maker Robert Hennell I(English, 1741–1811)English, 1741–1811

Maker David Hennell II(English, 1767–1829)English, 1767–1829

CultureEnglish

Titles

Epergne

Date1796

Made inLondon, England

MediumSilver

Dimensions15 3/4 × 23 × 20 in. (40 × 58.4 × 50.8 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Oveta Culp Hobby

Object numberB.93.29

Current Location

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Bayou Bend Dining Room

On view

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Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

METALWORK

Description“Epergne” is derived from the French word for saving or economy, emphasizing the saving of space on the tabletop as the epergne displayed multiple dishes in a compact arrangement. The form appeared in France in the 1600s and in England in the 1700s; it was most often used to offer nuts, fruits, and sweets in an elaborate centerpiece display.
Provenance[Marshall Fields and Company]; purchased by Oveta Culp Hobby (1905–1995), Houston, by 1945; given to MFAH, 1993.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

[None]

Marked on the underside of branches and bowls: RH/DH
Marked: maker's mark of face, lion, and B on the small bowls, and the lion, crown, B, and face on large bowl

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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