Taper holder (one of a pair) 1733 - 1813

This taper holder was made by James Gould, an English silversmith, sometime before his death in 1747. It’s made of silver, a precious metal that has long been associated with wealth and status. But silver is also a very workable material. Look closely, and you can see the marks of the silversmith's tools. The body was likely raised from a flat sheet of silver using hammers and stakes. The decorative details were then added by hand, using chasing and engraving tools. The final product is an object of considerable refinement, one that speaks to the skill and labor that went into its creation. In the 18th century, objects like this weren't just functional items; they were statements of social standing. The ownership of silver signaled one’s integration into a growing culture of commerce and consumption. This taper holder embodies the complex relationship between materials, making, and social context. It sits at the intersection of craft and fine art.