Candelabrum with Figures of Mercury and The Infant Bacchus, Rundell, Bridge, & Rundell 1809-1810 1816-1817 The Royal Collection |
In 1811, the sculptural groups—which included figures of piping fauns—were combined into one large centerpiece. By this point, the astronomical sum of over £3000 had been spent on this piece. By 1816, the piece was deemed not grand enough and Rundell’s was asked to create stems and upper branches to make the group into a candelabrum. And, so, we see it this way today.
Truly the most ornate and intricate of George IV’s collection of silver-gilt banqueting pieces, the piece finds its way into use every so often for grand events. I’m sure it looks every bit as impressive as it did on George’s table.
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