posted 05-26-2017 12:43 PM            

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ART AND ORIGINALITY IN AMERICAN SILVERSMITHING

AS an example of American silversmithing, the magnificent silver centerpiece here illustrated, typifying the Awakening of Columbia, marks an advance in the history of the art. On a large conventionalized orchid rests a beautifully etched globe, which supports a female figure symbolical of awakening. The pit of the orchid underneath the globe acts as a vase for flowers which the apertures between the globe and the orchid are intended to hold. The four large lower petals form the stand of the piece. Between them cut-glass rose jars or dishes may be placed to enhance the general effect. The four upper petals form receptacles for bon-bons, almonds, etc.

This centerpiece is the product of the Geo. W. Shiebler Co., and is one of the largest and most artistic pieces of work ever wrought by them. The idea is thoroughly novel and is a distinct departure from all previous products of this kind. This originality is in conformity with the policy of the concern. The idea of this piece was conceived while the company were considering the advisability of making a display at the World’s Columbian Exposition. Had the results of these considerations been favorable. the piece would have been larger in proportions; as it is the original idea has been carried out as far as the artistic elements of design and workmanship are concerned. The work was designed by F. Schmidt, the superintendent of the company’s factory. It is thirty-two inches in height and shows beautiful examples of the various treatments and finishes embodied in silverware. The lower petals are examples of perfect burnishing while the upper ones illustrate satin finishing and gilding. The globe of flowers and the figure resting upon it are of oxidized silver. The former is handsomely chased, while the latter is a fine specimen of modeling, details being idealic in treatment.

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