The Neptune Centrepiece, 1741-2 (and 1826-7)

Paul Crespin (1694-1770) and Nicholas Sprimont (1716-1771); John Bridge (1755-1834), for Rundell, Bridge & Rundell

The Neptune Centrepiece, 1741-2 (and 1826-7)

1741-2 (and 1826-7)

Silver-gilt

68 x 66 x 47 cm

Almost certainly made for Frederick, Prince of Wales, 1741-2; hippocamp base added by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell for George IV, 1827 (£484 1s. 7d.; RA GEO/26324; PRO LC9/351, f. 41)

This unique centrepiece, described as 'the purest rococo creation in English silver', forms part of the superb Marine Service of rococo plate which was almost certainly supplied for Frederick, Prince of Wales, in the early 1740s. This association is based on the listing of all the pieces in the 1832 Inventory of Plate under the heading of 'Frederick Prince of Wales'. The highly fashionable design of this centrepiece shows a strong continental influence and reflects the sophisticated tastes and inspired patronage of the Prince, who played a significant role in introducing the rococo style into England. Although it bears the mark of Paul Crespin, the involvement of the Liègeois Nicholas Sprimont is suggested by stylistic similarities with his work. It is possible that the centrepiece was made by Sprimont shortly after his arrival in London but marked by Crespin, a fellow Huguenot and neighbour in Compton Street, Soho; Sprimont's own mark was not registered until 1743.

During recent detailed examination of the centrepiece it was discovered that the two pairs of entrée dishes with dragon and mer-figure supports, located on the base, previously thought to be separate 'salts', formed an integral part of the design of the centrepiece. It was also discovered that at least two pre-existing elements had been incorporated, perhaps because of the need to complete the object quickly: the shallow shell which supports the tureen and bears the mark of Andrea Boucheron (1701-61), goldsmith to the court of Turin; and the tureen, cover and S-scroll legs, which are slightly earlier and are perhaps of French origin.

In 1780 James Young and Robert Henley copied the centrepiece, sauceboats and salts from the Marine Service for Charles, fourth Duke of Rutland - a clear instance of the enduring appeal of Sprimont's inspired rococo creations, long after the style went out of fashion. During the early nineteenth century the service was used by George IV at Carlton House and in 1827 Rundells added the 'very richly chased silver Stand to receive Centre Marine Ornament with festoons of shells, Sea Horses &c' for George IV. The marine decoration and forms of the service inspired many of the pieces of plate supplied for George IV by Rundells in the 1810s and 20s.

London hallmarks for 1741-2 and maker's mark of Paul Crespin; the shell mount below the tureen with Turin townmark and maker's mark of Andrea Boucheron; the later hippocamp (seahorse) base with hallmarks for London, 1826-7 and maker's mark of John Bridge

RCIN 50282

Catalogue entry from Royal Treasures, A Golden Jubilee Celebration, London 2002