Sir William Hamilton as Collector, Exporter, and Dealer

The Acquisition and Dispersal of His Collections

Bibliographic Data

ID4538530
AuthorsNancy H Ramage (corresponding author)
Year1990
Volume94
Issue3
Pages469-480
Publication date1990-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Archaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0002-9114 • E-ISSN: 1939-828X
PublisherUniversity of Chicago Press (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.2307/505798
OpenAlexW2332138065
LanguageEN
Citations received6

Although it is well known that Sir William Hamilton, British ambassador to the Court of Naples, was a prominent collector of Greek vases, no previous study has concentrated on his methods of acquiring and disposing of antiquities. He dealt not only as an agent for his own interests, but also for those of his family, friends, and acquaintances. He bought and sold antiquities, accepted gifts, and in turn gave presents both to individuals and to the British Museum. He even exported antiquities despite the fact that it was illegal, and against the explicit instructions of the King of Naples. Hamilton's views on the restoration of vases and sculpture, and those of contemporary dealers and artists, shed light on the 18th-century attitude toward the conservation and repair of antiquities. We read of debates regarding the restoration of the stone Warwick Vase, which, together with the Portland Vase, was the most famous of Hamilton's imports to Britain. A drawing that belonged to Hamilton, of an altar that he gave to the British Museum, shows the propensity of artists to restore whatever might be broken on ancient pieces. Yet, Hamilton's own views on the advantages of leaving vases and sculpture unrestored were remarkably progressive. By looking at Hamilton's correspondence, some previously unpublished, we find out much about the way he conducted business. We learn, too, how he felt about his customers and competitors, and how they in turn regarded him. His clients included other dealers of antiquity, writers and travelers, the trustees of the British Museum, and the kings and countesses of Europe

Altar · Art · Art history · Sculpture · Visual arts · Classics · Historical Art and Culture Studies · Historical Economic and Social Studies · Historical Influence and Diplomacy · History

Tools

Open DOISci-Hub