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Lot Essay
The arms are those of Fox, as borne by Henry Richard, 3rd Baron Holland (1773-1840), nephew of the liberal politician Charles James Fox. Lord Holland's political views were influenced by his famous uncle, and his London residence, Holland House, became a social center for Whig politicians. His wife Elizabeth, who had been ostracized from Court following a previous divorce, decided to form a salon of her own, entertaining many of the great literary figures of the day, including Byron, Wordsworth, Scott, and Dickens. Lord Holland was greatly admired for both wit and kindness, which Tallyrand described as "une bienveillance perturbatrice." In 1802 Lord and Lady Holland met Napoleon, whom they befriended and supported, even while he was in exile on Elba. The Duchesse de Dino perhaps described Lord Holland best: "Avec la plus parfaite douceur de manières, l'humeur la plus égale, l'esprit le plus gai, l'abord le plus obligeant, il est toujours prêt à mettre partout le feu à la mèche révolutionnaire." (Complete Peerage)
A George II silver soup tureen made by William Cripps in 1752 was the model for the present lot (see Sotheby's, New York, October 9, 1985, lot 140).
Photo caption:
Henry Richard, 3rd Baron Holland (1773-1840), National Portrait Gallery of Illustrious and Eminent Personages, 1832
A George II silver soup tureen made by William Cripps in 1752 was the model for the present lot (see Sotheby's, New York, October 9, 1985, lot 140).
Photo caption:
Henry Richard, 3rd Baron Holland (1773-1840), National Portrait Gallery of Illustrious and Eminent Personages, 1832