From the estate of the late Edmund de Rothschild, the
Hamilton-Rothschild tazza has been allocated to National Museums
Scotland under the Acceptance in Lieu scheme, which allows donors
to leave major works of art to the nation in lieu of inheritance
tax. It was one of six outstanding items from the Hamilton Palace
collection sold to Alfred de Rothschild shortly before the sale of
Scotland’s greatest collection in 1882.
The exceptionally large, Byzantine sardonyx bowl was acquired by
Alexander, 10th Duke of Hamilton (1767-1852) while he was British
ambassador in Russia in 1807-8. He bought the bowl in the belief
that it was the ‘Bénetier de Charlemagne’ (the holy water stoup of
the Emperor Charlemagne, the founder of the Holy Roman Empire),
however, this is legend rather than fact. In 1812 the Duke
purchased an enamelled gold foot, which came from a massive gold
monstrance that King Philip II of Spain had presented to the
Monastery of the Escorial in the mid sixteenth century. He
subsequently united the two parts creating the tazza.
Sir Angus Grossart, Chairman of National Museums Scotland
commented:
“The Hamilton-Rothschild tazza is the single most important
acquisition that National Museums Scotland has made in many
decades. Acquiring this wonderful work of art demonstrates our
enhanced international ambitions for our collections and underlines
our aspirations. We have a strategic vision for our future
potential and are committed to build upon major acquisitions.”
This unique object is an important addition to the already
significant and internationally important European decorative art
collections. It will go on temporary display at the National Museum
of Scotland immediately before being permanently displayed in one
of four major new permanent art and design galleries which are
currently being developed.
The tazza was used for the baptisms of both of the Duke’s
children, William, the future 11th Duke of Hamilton, and Susan, in
1811 and 1814. Its use reflected the 10th Duke’s deeply held belief
in the high status of the House of Hamilton, as premier peers of
Scotland, the holders of three dukedoms and the true successors to
the Stuart kings of Scotland. This amazing two-part piece was the
most highly insured item in Hamilton Palace during the first half
of the nineteenth century. The tazza was displayed in the renowned
1862 loan exhibition at what is now the Victoria and Albert Museum
in London.
Dr Gordon Rintoul, Director of National Museums Scotland
said:
“We are delighted to have acquired this remarkable object for
the national collections. It greatly enhances our already
significant international collections of European art and design.
We have recently welcomed over 2 million visitors through the doors
of the transformed National Museum of Scotland and I know that this
wonderful object will be a huge draw for thousands more and will be
a key focal point for further new galleries which we are
planning.”
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop, who earlier this month signed
the legal direction allocating the tazza to National Museums
Scotland, said:
“I am delighted that such a unique work of art is now available
for the public to see in Scotland, thanks to the Acceptance in Lieu
scheme. It is most appropriate that the National Museums can
display this item, with its Scottish connections dating from the
Duke of Hamilton’s time as Ambassador to St Petersburg in the early
19th century, alongside their fabulous summer exhibition on
Catherine the Great, in co-operation with the State Hermitage
Museum.”
17 July 2012
Notes to Editors
- Please note that National Museums Scotland is our group name.
Our individual museums are called the National Museum of Scotland,
the National Museum of Flight, the National Museum of Rural Life,
the National Museum of Costume and the National War Museum.
- About the Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) Scheme: The
Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) Scheme allows those who have a bill for
Inheritance Tax to pay the tax by transferring important cultural,
scientific or historic objects to the nation. Material accepted
under the scheme is allocated to public collections and is
available for all.
- The Year of Creative Scotland began on 1 January 1 2012 and
spotlights and celebrates Scotland’s cultural and creative
strengths on a world stage. Through a dynamic and exciting
year-long programme of activity celebrating our world-class events,
festivals, culture and heritage, the year puts Scotland’s culture
and creativity in the international spotlight with a focus on
cultural tourism and developing the events industry and creative
sector in Scotland. More information about the programme can be
found at: www.visitscotland.com/creative
The Year of Creative Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative
led in partnership by EventScotland, VisitScotland, Creative
Scotland and VOCAL.