Tray 1806 - 1827

This tray was made by Giovacchino Belli, sometime before 1822, in silver. The tray is a testament to the silversmith's art. The silver has been skillfully worked to create a highly reflective surface in the center, while the rim features a series of playful figures in relief. Each figure must have been individually cast or sculpted, and then applied to the edge. The amount of labor that went into this object is significant; each stage requiring careful, practiced handwork. Such a tray speaks to its original context. Silver was, and is, a valuable material, so its use signals luxury and status. Serving food on a tray like this was about more than just functionality. It was a display of wealth, and of refined taste. Objects like this were a direct result of a system of labor, politics, and consumption, reflecting the hierarchies of its time. So, next time you see an object like this, remember to look closely, and think about the making behind the object.