Tankard 1600 - 1615

Curator: This ornate silver tankard dates from the early 17th century. Editor: It’s incredible. A vessel of such elaborate design gives me a sense of both luxury and weight, both literally and figuratively. It feels quite baroque in its fullness. Curator: That’s spot-on, its style falls right into the Baroque period. The entire surface is densely decorated, really showcasing the skill of the silversmith. Editor: Skill is an understatement! Looking closely, the sheer amount of labor to produce all these tiny repoussé details – it really speaks to a highly specialized workshop environment. You have floral and figurative reliefs vying for visual space, so what can you tell me about those choices? Curator: It appears the iconography subtly combines elements of classical and secular life. Look at the small figures; we have a classical, possibly Cupid-like, figure on top, amidst all the scrolling foliage and various masks. It evokes both celebration and abundance. Editor: And it begs the question of intended use – beyond pure functionality, objects like this served a ceremonial purpose too. I can imagine this raised in toasts, celebrating commercial deals and maybe some illicit social gatherings. I’m also struck by the physicality of its construction; each section painstakingly crafted and joined. There are processes hidden within each step! Curator: It is truly meant to be displayed, wouldn’t you agree? It seems to function as a celebration of craft and possibly the owner's prosperity, made manifest in symbolic and artistic forms. This is also why it's considered decorative art as well as sculpture. Editor: Yes, objects like these blur the boundaries of sculpture and design, raising so many interesting questions. Thank you. Curator: A fascinating encounter.