Facsimile of Goblet with Jonas (Lower German (?), c. 1530-1540) c. 1900

Curator: This object is a sixteenth-century facsimile of a goblet featuring Jonas, likely crafted in Lower Germany. Editor: I'm struck by its somber, almost melancholic presence. The patina suggests a history of both reverence and neglect. Curator: Observe how the anonymous maker uses repetition of form to create a balanced, if not slightly austere, structure. The goblet's shape mirrors itself. Editor: And the figure of Jonas—a symbol of rebirth and divine intervention. The cup echoes the story of Jonah and the whale, a testament to resilience. Curator: Notice the careful symmetry and how the textures, even in this facsimile, play with light and shadow, complicating its surface. It's a study in contrasts. Editor: This object feels heavy with meaning. A reminder that even in darkness, hope and redemption are always possible. Curator: Yes, and formally, it is an intriguing manipulation of material and proportion, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Indeed, a potent symbolic vessel and a fascinating study.