Robert Hennell I
Epergne

Epergne

Public Domain

Epergne
MakerEnglish, 1741–1811
MakerEnglish, 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
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

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