Edward Farrell became one of the most innovative sculptural plate suppliers active during the first half of the 19th century. Working alongside the retailer Kensington Lewis, whose most valued patron was Frederick, Duke of York, greatly bolstered Farrell’s career. Farrell specialised in the production of sculptural plate inspired by Renaissance, Baroque and rococo sources and was renowned for creating works in high relief, such as this example. This teapot is embossed and chased with classical scenes of Venus and Adonis, along with Odysseus handing a dispatch to Achilles. The spout takes the shape of acanthus leaves and the handle is made from ivory.
