Testimonial: The Life Story of a Monumental Vase

Discover the story of a spectacular vase in the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection. Inspired by archaeological finds engraved by Italian artist Giovanni Battista Piranesi, and manufactured by the London silversmiths, Rebecca Emes and Edward Barnard, the vase was presented in 1825 to Sir Edward Barnes soon after he became Governor of Ceylon. The vase and its inscription pays testimony to his military valour and good character. As a historic object however, it bears witness to his controversial role as a colonial administrator.

Image Credit: Silver Vase (detail), marked Rebecca Emes and Edward Barnard I, 1824-5, London. Museum no. Loan: Gilbert.863:1-3-2008. © The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection on loan to the Victoria and Albert Museum, London