Silver beakers, c.1842. A set of twelve German silver beakers in mid-18th century style, workshop mark of Johann Martin Schmidt and Karl Thomas, Frankfurt. It is believed that these were used at, or a gift for, the wedding of Mayer Carl von Rothschild (1820-1886) to Louise de Rothschild (1820-1894) in 1842.
Mayer Carl and Louise von Rothschild
Mayer Carl was born in Frankfurt, the eldest of the sons of Carl von Rothschild (1788-1855) who established the Naples branch of the family firm. He assumed a controlling role in the management of the Frankfurt House after the death of his uncle Amschel (1783-1855). He married his cousin Louise in England in 1842. Mayer Carl amassed an incomparable collection of silverware and was a discerning collector.
Louise was the daughter of Nathan Mayer Rothschild (1777-1836), founder of the London banking house. She excelled in the arts and music. After her marriage she lived in Frankfurt, where she wrote on religious subjects. Frankfurt became witness to her generous philanthropy; she established the Clementine Hospital for Girls and she endowed the Carl von Rothschild Free Library.
