Medallion
- Place of origin:
- Date:
- Artist/Maker:
- Materials and Techniques:
Plaster, mounted on a later plaster panel
- Credit Line:
Given by Messrs S. Sanders & Co. Ltd., through G. P. Long
- Museum number:
- Gallery location:
British Galleries, room 57a, case 9, shelf EXP
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Object Type
This plaster medallion depicts the nymph Egeria, reputedly the consort of Numa, an early king of ancient Rome. It formed part of the decoration of Essex House, Putney, London, the residence of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex (1566-1601).
People
The Earl of Essex was a favourite of Elizabeth I from about 1586 until he fell from grace in 1600, after his brief and unsuccessful posting as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He then instigated a rebellion against the Queen which resulted in his execution in 1601. The ceilings of Essex House, built when he was very much in favour, were decorated with royal symbols, such as 'ER' monograms and the Queen's emblem of a falcon carrying a sceptre.
Place
Putney House was built in about 1590 and demolished in 1872. It would have provided a convenient rural base, close to London and the court. The medallion is modelled in a sophisticated style that reflects the tastes of the court.
Place of Origin
London, England (made)
Date
1596 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Plaster, mounted on a later plaster panel
Marks and inscriptions
'Egeria, Nymph or Goddess'
Dimensions
Diameter: 54 cm, Depth: 12 cm approx.
Object history note
Made in London.
Plasterwork from the ceiling of Essex House given as a gift by Messrs S Sanders & Co. per G P Long.
Notes from R.P. 19/545
7th January 1919 letter, Miss A C Hare to the Museum
offers "a fine old Elizabethan ceiling studded with medallions with E.R. on them". She explains that the ceiling is from Essex House, High Street, Putney - said to have been built and occupied by Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex. When the house was taken down (more than 30 years earlier) the ceiling was used a jewellers shop that was built on the site at 127 High Street. When the shop was altered "a few years ago" the ceiling was stored in the jewellers basement. The proprietor wishes to dispose of it.
11th January 1919 letter, Miss A C Hare to the Museum
explaining that the ceiling is no longer intact; only the medallions remain. There is no wood in them; they are all plaster.
17th January 1919, Oliver Brackett minute paper
Brackett inspected one of the 8 medallions which had a head and inscription. The others were in store and might possibly bear a date. He reports that there were no photos taken before demolition of the ceiling but the proprietor (Mr Long) remembers it in position and could explain the arrangement. Long told Brackett that the ceiling was described in Taylor's "Putney Past & Present" (1910?), a guide published by estate agents. Brackett attempted to locate a copy of Taylor's but it was out of print.
7th February 1919, Cecil Smith minute paper
describes the medallions as bearing the Royal Arms, the date 1596, the Tudor Rose and other heraldic devices. "They have a considerable amount of interest and would be acceptable for the Museum".
Labels and date
British Galleries:
This medallion was part of a ceiling at Essex House, Putney, London. The house was said to have been a home of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex (1566-1601), a favourite of Queen Elizabeth. The ceiling decoration also included Tudor coats of arms and Elizabeth's personal device, the falcon and sceptre. [27/03/2003]
Categories
British Galleries; Architectural fittings
Collection code
FWK
