Oval-shaped silver tray by Georg Roth & Co. embossed with a Napoleonic scene

Oval-shaped silver tray by Georg Roth & Co. embossed with a Napoleonic scene
German, Late 19th Century
Height 3cm, width 57.5cm, depth 47.5cm, weight 1.87kg
 
This superb piece of silverware depicts Napoleon’s return from the island of Elba in 1815, which was to be his final military action before his defeat by the British at Waterloo. Embossed after a painting by Charles de Steuben entitled ‘Napoleon’s Return from Elba’ (1818), the central panel depicts Napoleon triumphantly leading his troops, holding his standard high. The panel is rendered with impressive similarity to the original painting, with many of the minute expressions, costumes, and background details of the painting captured by the tray’s maker.
 
Surrounding the scene is a circular border, which features further armorial decoration, as well as decorative foliate designs. The entire tray is surrounded by a crimped-edge rim.
 
The hallmarks of the German silversmiths Georg Roth & Co. can be seen in the upper left corner. Based in Hanau, the company was renowned for creating fine silverware pieces in the opulent French Rococo style.
 
Rendered with an extraordinary level of detail, this impressive tray depicts a pivotal moment in history, making it a prime collector’s item for anyone interested in military antiques.
 
Artist/Maker: Georg Roth & Co