European Decorative Arts and Sculpture Centerpiece (Surtout) Made in Strasbourg, France, Europe1729 Made by Strasbourg faience factory, Strasbourg, France, 1721 - 1784 Lead-glazed earthenware with underglaze decoration (faience) * Gallery 260, European Art 1500-1850, second floor 2006-76-1 Purchased with the Walter E. Stait Fund, the John D. McIlhenny Fund, and the John T. Morris Fund, 2006 |
LabelCenterpieces such as this one, whether produced in faience, silver, or porcelain, made visual statements of their owners' wealth and status. They also functioned as elaborate condiment sets, placed on the table at the beginning of the meal and remaining through the dessert course. The eight indentations were intended to hold salt and pepper.* Works in the collection are moved off view for many different reasons. Although gallery locations on the website are updated regularly, there is no guarantee that this object will be on display on the day of your visit. |
