“Beyond the Maker’s Mark: Paul de Lamerie Silver in the Cahn Collection,” featuring de Lamerie silver from one of the most important collections in private hands, is on view at the Minneapolis Institute of arts (MIA) through April 19.
The exhibition showcases the extraordinary work of Paul de Lamerie (1688‱751), London’s leading Eighteenth Century silversmith. Featured are approximately 100 individual objects, including the fabulous rococo silver piece known as the “Maynard Dish” from 1736 to 1737. It is organized by the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
“The exhibition examines the larger context of de Lamerie’s work, tracking the changes in his firm’s style, from baroque to rococo,” said Jennifer Komar Olivarez, associate curator of architecture, design, decorative arts, craft and sculpture at the MIA. “It also addresses de Lamerie’s complex enterprise, including his clients, craftsmen and suppliers, and presents objects by his contemporaries to illustrate the multifaceted web of the silver industry in the first half of the Eighteenth Century.”
At the time, London was a center for the production of luxury goods, and de Lamerie’s pieces set the standard for fine craftsmanship. The growing popularity of coffee and tea gave rise to a range of specialized wares, as did the introduction of new French foods, requiring a variety of serving vessels.
Relative prosperity and diplomatic necessity ensured that stunning presentation silver remained popular and reflected the latest in international fashion.
London’s booming economy attracted skilled artisans from across Europe, many of whom, like de Lamerie, were Huguenots fleeing persecution in France.
De Lamerie’s mark appears on numerous silver objects, ranging from candelabra to complete dinner services. Some of the most innovative objects of the period were designed and made by now anonymous artisans, who worked for established makers such as de Lamerie.
Among the highlights is the “Maynard Dish,” one of the most significant works in the Cahn Collection from de Lamerie’s workshop. From 1736, the dish’s design is attributed to an enigmatic figure known only as the “Maynard Master.” Named for its patron Grey Maynard, this outstanding piece of rococo silver measures more than 26 inches in diameter. Its richly cast and chased surface is embellished with expressive masks alternating with depictions of the four elements. Robust putti and three-dimensional scrolls are recognized as characteristic of the artist’s style.
Also on view is a one-of-a-kind tureen in the shape of a green turtle. From 1750, the tureen is an extraordinary cap to the end of de Lamerie’s career. With an unusually naturalistic form, the tureen was meant for serving turtle soup, a popular dish brought to England from the West Indies. The designer of this piece, perhaps looking at a printed source, created what was certainly a crowd-pleaser at the table.
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is at 2400 Third Avenue South. For information, 612-870-3131 or www.artsmia.org .
