Server
2004 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Contemporary artists have sometimes reverted for inspiration to earlier periods; Art Nouveau and Art Deco are two such sources. The styles of the second half of the 19th century themselves evoked themes as, for example, in the rococo and naturalistic revivals, the Celtic revival and so on. Here the artist has invoked later 19th century American style in the sleek, compact blade type, worked stem rod construction and medallion finial. Such later waves, resonances, in design are assurances of deeply felt sentiments.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver, chased, engraved, polished and bevelled |
| Brief description | Silver, USA, Hopatcong, New Jersey, 2004, designed and made by Wendy Yothers |
| Physical description | The heavy 10 gauge polished and bevelled blade has a compact spear-like form, with a sharply drawn out point and an original side hook feature. The rear edge is slanted and sharply double cusped. It is embellished on both sides with chased and engraved naturalistic leaf sprays that originate form the heal and partially cover half the blade. The stem is a short, cast, partially corrugated rod that fits into a notch in the heel of the blade and has a V shaped boss on the top side. It terminates in a cast medallion like head of native inspiration, on one side, and a leaf pattern on the other. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | This collection of silver slices, all commissioned over a period of twenty years by Professor Benton Seymour Rabinovitch FRS, is proof of the skill and diversity of contemporary silversmiths. Each artist craftsman has responded to the familiar functional form of the slice in an individual way, producing an astonishingly diverse range of interpretations. Each piece becomes an enchanting, decorative work of art. Professor Rabinovitch established a close rapport with each artist, always encouraging a freedom of creative expression. The response of these silversmiths has been not only to be strikingly imaginative but also to honour him by giving him their best work.
This collection is testimony to the significant contribution that one individual can make to supporting the craft of silversmithing. After commissioning work from some of the most illustrious names in British and North American silversmithing, Professor Rabinovitch has very generously donated his entire collection to the Victoria and Albert Museum, through the American Friends of the V&A.(2005) |
| Credit line | Given by the American Friends of the V&A through the generosity of Professor B. Seymour Rabinovitch |
| Historical context | Part of a collection of fish slices commissioned by Professor Rabinovitch from contemporary North American and British makers. |
| Summary | Contemporary artists have sometimes reverted for inspiration to earlier periods; Art Nouveau and Art Deco are two such sources. The styles of the second half of the 19th century themselves evoked themes as, for example, in the rococo and naturalistic revivals, the Celtic revival and so on. Here the artist has invoked later 19th century American style in the sleek, compact blade type, worked stem rod construction and medallion finial. Such later waves, resonances, in design are assurances of deeply felt sentiments. |
| Bibliographic reference | Benton Seymour Rabinovitch, Contemporary Silver, Part II Recent Commissions, Seattle, RAB Associates, 2005, pp.72-3. ill. |
| Other number | LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS.154-2005 - previous loan number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.127-2008 |
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| Record created | May 13, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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