Russian silver, Classicism

RUSSIAN MONUMENTAL PRESENTATION SILVER CUP. MASTER CARL GUSTAV EKQVIST RUSSIA, ST PETERSBURG, MID-19TH CENTURY

RUSSIAN MONUMENTAL PRESENTATION SILVER CUP. MASTER CARL GUSTAV EKQVIST RUSSIA, ST PETERSBURG, MID-19TH CENTURY

A monumental Russian presentation silver cup by the distinguished St Petersburg silversmith Carl Gustav Ekqvist (1800-1868), executed in the mid-19th century. The work is an outstanding example of Russian artistic silver from the Late Neoclassical period, combining the compositional discipline of Classicism with the rich ornamental vocabulary of Historicism.The oval bowl is executed using casting, chasing, engraving and fire-gilding techniques. Its richly modelled surface is embellished with gilt garlands of grapevine, figures of music-making nymphs, Rocaille cartouches, winged horses, ornamental vases and luxuriant foliate decoration. The iconographic programme draws upon the Bacchic imagery of Classical Antiquity, symbolising abundance, celebration and ceremonial festivity.The handles are sculpted as intertwined grapevines, naturally extending the decorative composition of the vessel. The high, moulded pedestal foot is lavishly enriched with gilt Rocaille ornament, reinforcing the monumentality of the overall silhouette. The interior of the bowl remains ungilded silver, in accordance with the traditional construction of ceremonial Russian presentation vessels of the Imperial period.The exceptional quality of the chasing, the expressive sculptural modelling of the relief decoration and the refined execution of every ornamental detail establish this work as a characteristic example of St Petersburg silver craftsmanship of the mid-19th century. Comparable works from the workshop of Carl Gustav Ekqvist are highly sought after by museums and distinguished private collections devoted to Russian decorative arts.Hallmarks: Registered makers mark CGE in a rectangular punch for Carl Gustav Ekqvist; official St Petersburg assay mark with the initials D.T. and a partially legible date 18, attributed to the Assay Master Dmitry Ilyich Tverskoy (1834-1850); St Petersburg city hallmark depicting two anchors and a sceptre within a circular punch; 84 zolotnik standard assay mark; French import mark in the form of the Mercurys head within a circular punch; additional punch with the Latin letters RM.Dimensions: Height: 27 cm. Diameter: 18 cm.Weight: 1,098 g.Condition: Good.Provenance: Private European collection.

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