This enormous cistern formed part of Lord Rabys allowance of silver plate which he took with him as Ambassador Extraordinary to Berlin in 1706 and which he was entitled to retain after his return.
Great Silver Wine Cistern of Thomas Wentworth, Lord Raby by Philip Rollos the Elder, 17051706
© Temple Newsam House
Details
- Medium:
- Silver
- Dimensions:
- 129.5 x 83 cm
- Art Fund grant:
- £140,000 ( Total: £2,073,648; Tax remission; Export stopped)
- Acquired in:
- 2011
- Vendor:
- Private collector
Such objects were an essential component in the etiquette of formal dining in the baroque period when the display of impressive plate reflected the status and importance of the host (or, in the case of ambassadors, the country he represented). Their function (in addition to being impressive) was to hold ice-packed bottles for the service of wine. This object was undoubtedly inspired by German examples seen by Lord Raby in Berlin on an earlier visit in 1701. This work was acquired with assistance from the Wolfson Foundation.
Provenance
Thomas Wentworth, 3rd Baron Raby of Wentworth Castle, Yorkshire; by descent to Marquess of Lothian; Sothebys, 2010.
Venue details
Entry details
Free with National Art Pass (standard entry is £5)
3 Nov 2015 – 12 Feb 2016
Pre-booked visits and tours only (see website to book)
13 Feb – 30 Oct
Tue – Sun
10.30 am – 5pm (last admission 4.15pm)