Exhibitions and records of works of art
Prince Albert recognised the importance of photography to record and document notable exhibitions and works of art
FRANCIS BEDFORD (1815-94)
Works of Art Exhibited at Marlborough House, 1854: Old German Tankard
1854Albumen print | 18.5 x 12.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2800199
Photograph of a guild flagon, or tankard, made of pewter. The flagon has a cylindrical body which tapers upwards and incorporates two horizontal bands of cast ornament representing the Sun, Moon and planets (Jupiter, Mercury, Saturn, Venus and Mars), seven Muses (Terpsichore, Erato, Calliope, Euterpe, Clio, Urania and Polyhymnia), seven Virtues and two Deadly Sins. The plain, central band on the body has three cast shields. They are engraved with differing scenes. Whilst not shown in the photograph, the shields depict a lion holding an axe, an ox's head and a trophy of meat cleavers. This shields indicate the flagon belonged to a butchers' guild.
The flagon is currently held by the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The flagon is currently held by the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Creator(s)
Francis Bedford (1815-94) (photographer)
18.5 x 12.7 cm (image)
'Old German Tankard'
Commissioned by Henry Cole. Later acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
Subject(s)
- Places
- Europe
- Great Britain
- England
- Greater London [England]
- London [Greater London]
- City of Westminster [London]
- Marlborough House [London]
- City of Westminster [London]
- London [Greater London]
- Greater London [England]
- England
- Great Britain
- Europe
- Science, Medicine and Technology
- Home economics
- Tableware
- Tankards
- Tableware
- Home economics
- Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
- Music
- Musical instruments
- Brass instruments
- Horns (musical instruments)
- Brass instruments
- Musical instruments
- Music
- Genealogy and Heraldry
- Heraldry
- Escutcheons (coats of arms)
- Heraldry
Object type(s)
- visual works
- photographs
- Places
