Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2015.

The Attack

Manufacturer Thomas Webb & Sons (British (Stourbridge, England), 1837 - 1990)

Artist George Woodall (British, 1850 - 1925)

Artist Thomas Woodall (English, 1849-1926)

CultureEnglish

Date1896

MediumBlown, cased, etched, and cameo-carved glass

Dimensions17 in. (43.2 cm)

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Object number2013.5

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 116-5, Case 35

DescriptionA monumental round cameo-carved plaque measures 43.5 cm (17 inches). Designed and carved by George and Thomas Woodall, the plaque is raisin-colored overlaid with opalescent bluish-white glass. The plaque features a lighthearted scene set under a canopy of drapes. A combination of lush landscape and water is juxtaposed with classical architectural elements of marble floor, columns, and temple. A central female figure, garbed in diaphanous drapery, attempts to fend off two mischievous putti. Details in the foreground include: an empty bowl, pitcher, and draped three-legged vessel; two bracelets and a beaded necklace; and a marble floor with Greek-key pattern. The foliate border of the plaque interlaces classical elements, grapes and acorns.
Label TextThomas Woodall English (1849-1926) George Woodall English (1850-1925) Thomas Webb & Son Stourbridge, England The Attack, 1896 Blown, cased, acid-etched, and cameo-carved glass, 17 in. dia. Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA Museum purchase 2013.5 ProvenanceCollection of Thomas Webb & Son; purchased by H.C. Ash, early twentieth century; consigned to Bonham’s of London from an Ash family descendant; purchased by Chrysler Museum of Art at auction, May 1, 2013.Exhibition HistoryPhillips’ Exhibition of 1899.Published References“The Gentle Art of Cameo-Cutting,” The Illustrated London News, June 10, 1899. Christopher Woodall Perry, _The Cameo Glass of Thomas and George Woodall_ (Somerset, England: Richard Dennis, 2000), 62. Ray and Lee Grover, _English Cameo Glass_ (New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1980), fig. 64. David Whitehouse, _English Cameo Glass_ (Corning, New York: Corning Museum of Glass, 1994), 14. William J. Hennessey, "Museum / accessions," in _The Magazine ANTIQUES_, January/February 2014, 86. Don Harrison, "Art Unveiled," _Coastal Virginia Magazine,_ April 2014, 52. Kelly Conway, "The Reunion of The Attack and Intruders: Refining a Collection" _Journal of Glass Studies_ 56 (2014): 367. Diane C. Wright (editor), _Glass Masterworks from the Chrysler Museum of Art_ (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2017) pg. 113-115.