MR. LEWIS'S ORNAMENTAL SILVER.
WE were invited by Mr. KENSINGTON LEWIS, of St. James's Street, to inspect the splendid ornamental piece of silver plate which is to be presented by the Roman Catholics of Great Britain to Mr. BLOUNT. The design consists of a square base, formed by a waterfall, the foam of which forms a rich border of frost-work ; at each corner is seated a Naiad. The nude figures are beautifully modelled, with sculptural pro- priety, and are delicately stippled, to give an appearance of flesh ; which is contrasted by the smoothness of the thaperies, forming, in their turn, a relief to the brilliancy of the polished surface of the water. The figures sustain a wreath of flowers, which serves to group them, and to give breadth with lightness to this part of the work; it also carries the eye up to the vase, tastefully formed of the same material as the base, and having the appearance of water gushing upward in waves, the spume of which forms an appropriate lip to the vessel. The vase is supported by a sort of volute of foliage rising from the centre of the base; its stem concealed by the figures, over which its leaves bend in light and graceful scrolls ; from these rise flowers to conceal the bowl of the vase, and relieve its baldness. The whole design is chaste and elegant, combining lightness and richness. It has a singularly pleasing effect, and is executed in a finished style, worthy of the taste displayed in the conception.
Mr. LEWIS also showed us another specimen of his tasteful ingenuity, wicker basket of grapes in silver, the edges formed of clusters and vine-leaves; designed for a wine-cooler. The execution of the stem and leaves of the vine, was particularly natural and beautiful.
Among the antiques, we observed the topaz cup which was the gem of the Fonthill collection. The cup is quaintly cut, and has for its handle a dragon enamelled on gold and enriched with gems. The foot consists of a composition of four smaller dragons grouped with ornaments of gems and gold. The whole is in superb taste, and is of undoubted antiquity. It is said to be the work of BE NVENUT 0 Cem.nsr.
Mr. Lywrs possesses other specimens of CELLINI'S workmanship, consisting of an unique set of twelve massy silver salvers on stands. In the centre of each is a small statue of one of the erasers, while on the circular plateau is represented, in compartments, in low relief, the prin- cipal events of his reign. The workmanship is masterly, and the whole highly curious.
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