2-970-214 - /Heritage Images

The Ascot Race Plate: the Ascot Cup - Perseus and Andromeda, 1856. 'The "Ascot Cup," which is nearly three feet in height, independently of the base, illustrates the mythological tale of Perseus and Andromeda. The serpent is twining round the rock, and making his way up to the spot on which Andromeda is fastened. Perseus, on his winged horse, is attacking the monster with the sword with which he slew the Gorgon, and is defending himself with the shield of Medusa. The artist has very properly not adhered too closely to the description of the poet Manilius, which, indeed, it would be almost absurd, if not impossible, to represent in a group of silver statuettes. The execution of this piece of plate is very effective, and the outline very fine...[The piece was] manufactured at the establishment of Messrs. Garrard, jewellers to the Crown...from designs and models by Mr. Cotterill'. From "Illustrated London News", 1856.