Casket with Figure of Morpheus
Artist: Workshop of Henry Auguste (silversmith) (French, 1759-1816)
Designer: Jean-Guillaume Moitte (designer) (French, 1746 - 1810)
Date: about 1793-1798
Dimensions:
8 5/8 x 12 3/4 in. (21.3 x 31.4 cm)
Medium: cast, chased, and gilded silver
Classification: Metalwork
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Florence Scott Libbey Bequest in Memory of her Father, Maurice A. Scott
Object number: 1969.301
Label Text:The design for this sumptuous silver-gilt jewel casket was created by Jean-Guillaume Moitte, the leading sculptor at the court of Napoleon Bonaparte. It was executed by the royal goldsmith Henry Auguste and is considered today the most ambitious sculptural project by his workshop. The casket recalls a classical Roman sarcophagus with figural friezes and “feet” in the form of griffins. The hinged lid resembles an open book on top of which reclines Morpheus, the Greco-Roman god of dreams. The figure’s pose with one arm raised above the head is a visual device used by ancient sculptors to indicate sleep. Morpheus had a special responsibility for the dreams of kings and heroes, making him particularly suitable as a subject for a royal commission, which this casket may have been.
DescriptionCast, chased, and gilded silver casket with a figure of Morpheus on the lid.
On view
In Collection(s)