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Lot Essay
This design for pair of consoles is based on plate 40 of Etchings of Ancient Ornamental Sculpture drawn from the originals in Rome and other parts of Italy during the years 1794, 1795 and 1797, published in 1799-1800 by Charles Heathcote Tatham (1772-1842). This etching, reproduced here, was signed with Tatham's monogram and is inscribed Antique Chimera in basso relievo of white marble, a fragment at Rome and published May 1798 by C.H. Tatham. London.
This first publication of Tatham's book proved immensely influential, as seen for example in their linear style later adopted by Thomas Hope. Further evidence of its popularity, Etchings of Ancient Ornamental Sculpture... was reprinted in 1803 and again in 1810. Tatham's influence on furniture design was perhaps chiefly accomplished through his brother Thomas Tatham, a cabinet-maker, and his cousin John Linnell. The broad appeal of the designs is aptly demonstrated by a pair of ormolu and bronze candelabra also in the form of seated winged and horned chimera by Benjamin Vulliamy and his son, sold Christie's London, 17 November 1994, lot 67.
C.H. Tatham was employed as a draughtsman by Henry Holland, who helped him to visit Italy. He arrived in Rome in May 1794 and stayed there until 1796 in the company of a wide circle of artists and architects. Forced to leave Italy by Napoleon's advance, Tatham returned to England where he practiced as an architect. His severe neo-classical style proved of limited popular appeal and his commissions were few. He designed the Sculpture Gallery at Castle Howard for the 5th Earl of Carlisle, whom he had met in Rome, and the mausoleum for Lord Stafford at Trentham.
This first publication of Tatham's book proved immensely influential, as seen for example in their linear style later adopted by Thomas Hope. Further evidence of its popularity, Etchings of Ancient Ornamental Sculpture... was reprinted in 1803 and again in 1810. Tatham's influence on furniture design was perhaps chiefly accomplished through his brother Thomas Tatham, a cabinet-maker, and his cousin John Linnell. The broad appeal of the designs is aptly demonstrated by a pair of ormolu and bronze candelabra also in the form of seated winged and horned chimera by Benjamin Vulliamy and his son, sold Christie's London, 17 November 1994, lot 67.
C.H. Tatham was employed as a draughtsman by Henry Holland, who helped him to visit Italy. He arrived in Rome in May 1794 and stayed there until 1796 in the company of a wide circle of artists and architects. Forced to leave Italy by Napoleon's advance, Tatham returned to England where he practiced as an architect. His severe neo-classical style proved of limited popular appeal and his commissions were few. He designed the Sculpture Gallery at Castle Howard for the 5th Earl of Carlisle, whom he had met in Rome, and the mausoleum for Lord Stafford at Trentham.