Twee kannen c. 1660 - 1665

John Cooqus crafted this silver object, titled 'Twee kannen', during the late 17th century, a period marked by Dutch maritime power and burgeoning global trade. Consider the cultural status these objects possessed at the time. The elaborate design and the use of precious metals indicate a patron of considerable wealth and social standing, reflecting the stark class divisions of the era. The imagery adorning it, such as the grotesque masks and heraldic lion, tells us something about the values and aesthetics of the Dutch elite. These faces and symbols could represent power, lineage, or even the exotic lands encountered through trade. This object exists as a testament to a world undergoing immense transformation. It speaks of merchants, colonial ambitions, and the consolidation of power in the hands of a few. It invites us to think about whose stories are told through such artifacts and whose are left out.