Richmond Race Cup 1767

silver

3d sculpting

silver

egg art

3d image

3d printed part

jewelry design

sculptural image

3d shape

stoneware

wash background

england

ceramic

This silver cup, “Richmond Race Cup,” was crafted in 1767 by the celebrated Scottish architect Robert Adam. This piece, now held by the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a beautiful example of Adam’s interest in classical forms. It is decorated with a central oval medallion depicting a scene of a horse race, a nod to the cup's intended purpose as a prize for the Richmond Race. The cup's elegant form and intricate details reflect the Neoclassical style that Adam helped to popularize in Britain during the late 18th century.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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This cup commemorates a centuries-old equestrian event that takes place in Richmond, Yorkshire, named The Richmond Gold Cup for its distinctive gold and silver trophies. Thomas Dundas, whose family hosted the race, commissioned in 1764 a new trophy design from architect/designer Robert Adam. His refined urn shape was so radically different from the cups that preceded it, that the shape continues to be associated with Adam, father of English Neoclassical design. Only four versions directly inspired by Adam's designs were produced. The Institute's example was the prize for the 1767 race. Two cups remain in the families of their original century owners, and one is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.