Beaker (part of a set) 1848 - 1849

This simple beaker was crafted by Johann Bernhard Hertz in the 19th century. At first glance, its unadorned form might seem devoid of symbolic resonance, yet the cylindrical shape is, in itself, a vessel brimming with potential meaning. Consider how the most basic containers throughout human history—from ancient amphorae to medieval tankards—have held not just liquids, but also the very essence of communal life and shared ritual. This unassuming beaker echoes these forms, resonating with our collective memory of gathering, sharing, and communion. The plainness of the design and the use of leather evoke a sense of utility, a tool for survival, perhaps, but also a connection to the earth and our primal needs. The cylinder reappears throughout time, and embodies our collective desire for containment and order, perhaps even a longing for the infinite. The power of the beaker lies not in overt symbols, but in the latent potential held within its form. The way a seemingly simple object can evoke a complex tapestry of human experience, desire, and subconscious associations.