George III neoclassical style silver basket

Fine example of Adam-style, neoclassical design incorporated into a finely made silver basket by premier female silversmith, Hester Bateman. The basket is hand-pierced and engraved with oval shapes, classical urns, bellflowers and scrolls; all classic design motifs of the neoclassical style. The border and handle have applied bead pattern mounts and a typical Hester Bateman design cue. This silver basket personifies the elegant nature of both the maker and the era.

Neoclassicism was born in Rome in the mid-18th century before spreading throughout Europe. It is the name given to Western movements in the arts and architecture that draw inspiration from the "classical" art and culture of Ancient Greece or Rome.