Tankard 1685 - 1699

Editor: So, this is a Tankard by Georgius Olescher Sr., made sometime between 1685 and 1699. It's crafted from silver, so it’s quite weighty I imagine. The decoration is incredibly intricate, it looks like it took a really long time to make. What strikes you about it? Curator: I'm drawn to the craftsmanship, specifically the labor involved. This wasn't just about artistic expression; it was about specialized skill, likely within a workshop system. Think about the division of labor, the silversmiths, the apprentices…all contributing to this one object. Editor: So, it's not just about the finished product, but also who made it and how? Curator: Precisely! And for whom? Silver, especially in this quantity, signifies wealth and status. Consumption is key here. The bourgeoisie or aristocracy of the time sought objects to demonstrate their prosperity. The material itself, silver, connects back to mining, trade routes, colonial exploitation perhaps? Editor: Colonial exploitation? I hadn't considered that. So, the silver itself has a history? Curator: Absolutely. Trace the origins of the materials and you often uncover complex social and economic networks. Even the Baroque style itself – so ornate and theatrical – speaks to a specific kind of consumption and display. The very act of drinking from this tankard becomes a performance. Editor: I see. It's not just a pretty object, it's tied into wider economic and social forces. What about the little rooster on the lid? Curator: Consider the symbolism… roosters are linked to pride, vigilance. Perhaps these attributes reflected qualities its owner wanted to project to others? In summary, this isn't merely decorative art; it's a material manifestation of power, labor, and cultural values. Editor: Wow, I'll never look at a silver tankard the same way again. I’m glad to remember the human labor involved to produce it. Curator: It’s essential to remember that everything is material and socially grounded. Now you’re seeing like a Materialist.