Schotel 1794

This silver schotel was made by Hendrik Duller sometime between 1749 and 1820. Though modest in scale, it exemplifies the refined craftsmanship prized during the 18th century. Silver, with its inherent luster, invited skilled manipulation. A silversmith like Duller would have employed techniques such as hammering, annealing, and chasing to form the metal into the desired shape. The delicate floral patterns adorning the rim and the engraved starburst at the center are testaments to the craftsman's control and artistry. Pieces like this schotel reflect the hierarchical nature of society at the time. Silverware signified wealth and taste, and owning such an object was a clear status symbol. The labor invested in its production highlights the social divide between those who created and those who consumed such luxuries. Considering the material and the processes involved reminds us that even seemingly simple objects are embedded with social and cultural meaning, challenging our notions of craft versus fine art.