Lot Essay
The arms are those of Millais impaling those of Gray as borne by Sir John Everett Millais.
Details
A REGENCY SILVER CUP AND COVER
MAKER'S MARK OF BENJAMIN AND JAMES SMITH, LONDON, 1812
Vase form, on spreading circular base with band of matted acanthus, the stem with ovolo flange, the lower body with calyx of acanthus with band of stylized Greek-key on matted ground between beading, the foliate-clad Vitruvian scrolls between beading below flaring rim, with two entwined snake handles, the removable cover with ovolo rim and band of waterleaves, the bud finial issuing from a calyx of acanthus, one side engraved with a coat-of-arms, crest and helm with foliate mantling, one side engraved with the inscription From SIR GEORGE RUSSELL BART. to JOHN EVERETT MILLAIS, R.A. D.C.L. 1884, marked on base, cover, finial and calyx
14in. (35.6cm.) high
(102oz. 10dwt., 3199gr.)
MAKER'S MARK OF BENJAMIN AND JAMES SMITH, LONDON, 1812
Vase form, on spreading circular base with band of matted acanthus, the stem with ovolo flange, the lower body with calyx of acanthus with band of stylized Greek-key on matted ground between beading, the foliate-clad Vitruvian scrolls between beading below flaring rim, with two entwined snake handles, the removable cover with ovolo rim and band of waterleaves, the bud finial issuing from a calyx of acanthus, one side engraved with a coat-of-arms, crest and helm with foliate mantling, one side engraved with the inscription From SIR GEORGE RUSSELL BART. to JOHN EVERETT MILLAIS, R.A. D.C.L. 1884, marked on base, cover, finial and calyx
14in. (35.6cm.) high
(102oz. 10dwt., 3199gr.)
Provenance
Sir John Everett Millais, Bt., P.R.A. (1829-1896)
by descent to
Sir Ralph Millais, Bt.
This cup was presented to the artist Millais by his friend Sir George Russell of Swallowfield, apparently in gratitude for a posthumous portrait of Russell's brother. Russell wrote to Millais: "Your picture of my dear brother has arrived. The more we look at it, the more amazed and delighted we are. It is truely wonderful, and to me the possession is of priceless value--under your touch he seems to live again. No words of mine can adequately thank you, and I shall prize it not only as a marvellous and beautiful portrait, but also as a memento of my dear old friend, yourself. Always your grateful and affectionate friend. George Russell" (John Guille Millais, The Life and Letters of Sir John Everett Millais, 1884, p.166).
John Everett Millais, the celebrated Pre-Raphaelite painter, was elected to the Royal Academy in 1864. He married in 1855 Euphemia Chalmers, eldest daughter of George Gray of Perthshire. Millais was created a baronet in 1885, and made President of the Royal Academy in 1896. He is buried in St. Paul's Cathedral.
by descent to
Sir Ralph Millais, Bt.
This cup was presented to the artist Millais by his friend Sir George Russell of Swallowfield, apparently in gratitude for a posthumous portrait of Russell's brother. Russell wrote to Millais: "Your picture of my dear brother has arrived. The more we look at it, the more amazed and delighted we are. It is truely wonderful, and to me the possession is of priceless value--under your touch he seems to live again. No words of mine can adequately thank you, and I shall prize it not only as a marvellous and beautiful portrait, but also as a memento of my dear old friend, yourself. Always your grateful and affectionate friend. George Russell" (John Guille Millais, The Life and Letters of Sir John Everett Millais, 1884, p.166).
John Everett Millais, the celebrated Pre-Raphaelite painter, was elected to the Royal Academy in 1864. He married in 1855 Euphemia Chalmers, eldest daughter of George Gray of Perthshire. Millais was created a baronet in 1885, and made President of the Royal Academy in 1896. He is buried in St. Paul's Cathedral.