Cup with cover 1571 - 1585

This covered cup was created by David Cramer in the late 16th century. Its gilded surface catches the light, enhancing the elaborate floral and foliate designs etched around the upper portion. The cup’s composition emphasizes verticality, a form rising elegantly from its circular base to its ornate finial. Consider the cup’s structure. The base grounds the piece, while the stem introduces a rhythmic rise toward the vessel. The cup itself widens to display the engraved patterns, controlled yet abundant. This ornament is not merely decorative; it signifies status and craftsmanship, reflecting a culture deeply invested in symbolism and display. Cramer’s approach destabilizes the line between function and art. A drinking vessel is elevated into a piece of sculptural art. This transformation speaks to broader questions about value and the role of art in society, where an object exceeds its practical use to become a carrier of meaning.