Designs for Silver Tureen
Medium
tableware designs
Classification
tableware designs
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of various donors
Accession Number
1901-39-1146
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Filippo Marchionni, a prominent Italian artist and architect (1732–1805), created these *Designs for Silverureen* in 1769, capturing the elegance of late 18th-century luxury tableware. As preparatory sketches, they likely outline ornate forms and decorative motifs for a grand silver serving vessel—a tureen—intended as a centerpiece for aristocratic dining. This medium of design drawings was essential in the era's workshops, bridging artistic vision with skilled craftsmanship in precious metals. Set against Italy's vibrant Rococo-to-Neoclassical transition, Marchionni's work reflects the perio...