Artist:John MatthewsKarl L. H. Müller
Medium: Silver-plate on copper and brass
Geograhical Locations:
Dates:ca. 1865
Dimensions: Other (Height of panel): 6 1/2 x 31 3/4 in. (16.5 x 80.6 cm) Other (Height of panel with hinges): 9 in. (22.9 cm)
Collections:
Museum Location: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
Accession Number: 1990.155.2
Image: CUR.1990.155.2.jpg,
Catalogue Description: Bas-relief panel from a soda fountain, silver-plate on copper and brass. Wide rectangular panel with wider rod framing top edge. Each end of panel is framed by a simple vertical rod and at each end is a panel of unornamented silver. Between the two unornamented panels is the main pictorial panel that has dentils at the top. At the bottom, on a stippled ground and in gothic letters: "NEW YORK [within strapwork]/ JOHN MATTHEWS PATENT; MDCCCLXV [within strapwork]." The central panel depicts a bearded man in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer through a craggy, icy landscape. A dog runs along with the reindeer and a polar bear peeks over an ice cap. In the sleigh with the man is an over-sized siphon bottle. Under the sleigh is the inscription: "K. MULLER." Flanking this panel are two narrow panels with diamond lozenges and two square panels with gothic tracery. At each end of the upper edge is a pierced, openwork hinge, rounded triangle in shape. CONDITION: Significant wear to silver-plate with copper and brass showing through in many places. Scratches and dents to surface throughout. Many patches of old oxidation.