William Bell (active London, 1816 - 1817)
Candle Snuffer and Tray, 1774-1817
Silver, Overall: 1 1/8 x 7 7/16 x 2 3/4 in. (2.9 x 18.9 x 7 cm)
This relatively small silver tray is shaped akin to a peanut with wavy sides and rounded ends. The edge of the base of the tray has the ornamentation of dentil molding. The openwork sides are adorned with a scrolling vine and small medallions, each featuring t-shaped ornamentation within the medallions. The central medallion is a simple circle with two leaves draped over the sides. The upper rim of the tray is beaded in the silver material. The inside base of the tray is flat and plain. Resting on the tray is a silver candle snuffer. The snuffer shaped like a pair of scissors with a semi-circle attachment, for snuffing out a candle, and ends in a point. A beaded pattern adorns the majority of the object and borders the top and bottom of the outer edge of the snuffer.
Macknight Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.