18th century lead cistern

18th century lead cistern18th century lead cistern18th century lead cistern18th century lead cistern18th century lead cistern18th century lead cistern18th century lead cistern18th century lead cistern18th century lead cistern18th century lead cistern18th century lead cistern18th century lead cistern18th century lead cistern18th century lead cistern18th century lead cistern18th century lead cistern

A George I lead cistern, dated 1724. The front with cartouche panels centred by reclining pastoral figures, the front and sides with date and initials '1724/ GAA'. Provenance: by repute, removed from a garden formally in the grounds of Versaille.

Dimensions: 83 cm high, 150 cm wide, 60 cm depth

Condition: good condition regarding age

Reference: CS062014/299-BRU082014

Literature:

Lead cisterns became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries as a means of storing rainwater from roofs. Often situated in courtyards, they are one of the very few examples of garden ornament to often bear a date, often supplemented as in this example, with the initials of the owner.The front and sides were cast in one long rectangular panel in a sand pit with the decoration made through carved wooden strapwork mouldings, letters and numbers together with any other decorative features pressed into the sand before the lead was poured in. This would often include armorial devices relating to the family, or figures representing the seasons.