Barge of Venus

Barge of Venus

<< >>
Usage conditions apply
Downloads
Description
Partial-gilt, figural centerpiece with a rectangular base on six bracket feet that is ornamented with an oval plateau, its mirrored surface imitating water upon which two swans, driven by Cupid, pull a seashell barge or boat. Six cattails rise up out of the water alongside the barge, and four winged putti sit on the corners of the base and play music, each with a different instrument. A die-rolled band of scrolling ivy vines encircles the plateau. Chased bellflower designs adorn the base and feet. Elements are individually cast and screwed into the base. Underside of base is struck incuse near center "MIDDLETOWN PLATE C\o.", "TRIPLE PLATE" and "979".
Maker is Middletown Plate Co. of Middletown, CT. Middletown Plate Co. was founded in 1864 and became a subsidiary of International Silver Co. in 1898; International continued to use the Middletown name and mark until at least 1921.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
centerpiece
date made
1875
place made
United States: Connecticut, Middletown
Physical Description
electroplated (overall production method/technique)
silver plate (overall material)
gold (gilded areas material)
Measurements
overall: 17 3/4 in x 21 in x 11 5/8 in; 45.085 cm x 53.34 cm x 29.5275 cm
ID Number
DL.314472.01
catalog number
314472.01
accession number
314472
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Domestic Life
Domestic Furnishings
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Nominate this object for photography.   

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.

Note: Comment submission is temporarily unavailable while we make improvements to the site. We apologize for the interruption. If you have a question relating to the museum's collections, please first check our Collections FAQ. If you require a personal response, please use our Contact page.