Tankard 1674 - 1675

Curator: Here we have a tankard, its maker's mark designated RC between pellets in a dotted circle. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My goodness, it's shiny! Almost blindingly so. And what's with all the lions? Curator: Indeed, its silver surface and the lion motifs project power. Note how the animal forms repeat. Editor: Yes, they certainly are saying something about status and who might have used it. Also, I wonder what stories this tankard could tell if it could talk. Curator: Perhaps tales of grand feasts, political toasts, and silent contemplation. One can only imagine. Editor: It makes me think about the weight of history it carries and the quiet luxury of a bygone era. I can almost feel the coldness of the silver. Curator: What a marvelous piece of utilitarian art.