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Director’s Choice – The Pembroke Salt Cellars
In the second decade of the 19th century the taste for naturalistic ornament gathered speed. Nostalgia for the previous asymmetrical continuous movement and vision of Meissonnier and the rococo period, once more rose to the height of fashion. Casting was such an important element and works were inspired from originals by Crespin and Lamerie of the 1730’s and 1740’s and given a new lease of life with superb chasing. These salt cellars made in 1835 by Paul Storr for the famous Pembroke service capture this moment in time perfectly. The cast elements such as the beautifully modelled putti have such amazing detail in their faces, feet and hands and the fluidity of design capturing the rococo feel is perfect. The chasing in the diaper-work and rosettes gives these salts lively character offset by the pearls symbolising Venus and the love of dining. They are my Director’s Choice this week.
