Drinkschaal 1618

This silver drinkschaal was made by Adam van Vianen I, sometime before his death in 1627. The form is achieved by hammering a single sheet of silver. This is called *repoussé*, from the French word for "pushing out." The technique allows the artist to shape metal with a continuous, flowing surface. The ornament is abstract, almost like molten metal caught in freeze-frame. This was a conscious choice. Van Vianen was among the first to work in what became known as the auricular style. Note the soft, rounded forms, as if the silver was flesh. This effect really broke with the past, which preferred crisp geometry. Consider the labor involved. This wasn't just a matter of design. It required a deep understanding of silver's malleability, and years of practice. Van Vianen and other goldsmiths were true masters of their medium. They elevated craft to the level of high art.