Vinaigrette box

William Thompson II

1803 · Silver · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The little-known silversmith William Thompson II was described as a “small worker” in London in 1802. This vinaigrette is of oblong form with canted corners, its hinged lid engraved with concentric circles, possibly intended as a reserve for the addition of initials or a name to personalize the item. The grill is pierced and engraved with zigzag decoration. A vinaigrette was intended to hold a tiny sponge dipped in aromatic vinegar. Its interior is gilded to protect the silver from oxidation caused by the acidity of the vinegar. A hinged and decoratively pierced inner lid or grill kept the sponge in place while its perforations allowed the odor to waft through. A whiff of the vinegar might revive someone from a fainting spell. Such vinaigrettes were worn around the neck, on a chatelaine suspended from the waist, or carried in a pocket.

Artist

William Thompson II

Date

1803

Medium

Silver

Culture

British, London

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Herbert K. Reis, in memory of Rose-Frances K. Reis (Mrs. Ralph A. Reis), 1983