Portugal's Silver Service: A Victory Gift to the Duke of Wellington by the Victoria and Albert Museum

Book Description

Secondhand. Very good condition. Minor wear to book corners and edges. Dust jacket has light creasing at edges and spine. Interior and binding are still excellent.

This lavish book examines one of the finest examples of Neo-classical silver to be made in 19th-century Europe. Known as the Service of Victory, it was given to the Duke of Wellington by Portugal in gratitude for his victories over Napoleon in the Peninsular Wars. It was a major diplomatic gift intended to honour both the Portuguese nation and Wellington.

About 150 craftsmen worked for 4 years under the leading artist of the Portuguese court to produce the service, which is large enough for 60 guests, and it was shipped to England in 55 cases.

Chapters describe the life and work of the artist, assess the service in the context of French Empire and English Regency silver, examine its design and manufacture, explore its subsequent use, and include shipping lists, condition reports, letters, and contemporary newspaper accounts. Important new archival material recently discovered in Brazil is included and many Portuguese documents appear for the first time in an English publication.