Two-handled bowl c. 1690

0:00

silver, metal, sculpture

silver

baroque

metal

sculpture

decorative-art

Dimensions: 1 1/2 x 4 1/8 in. (3.8 x 10.48 cm)

This two-handled bowl was crafted by Jacob Boelen, a New York silversmith active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Boelen skillfully hammered and shaped silver, a precious material, into a functional and decorative form. The bowl's surface is adorned with engraved floral motifs, showcasing a blend of European design influences adapted to the tastes of a New World clientele. Notice the way the silver reflects light, its malleability allowing for the creation of delicate details. The twisted wire handles add a touch of refinement, indicating the silversmith's mastery of his medium. The bowl is a testament to the growing wealth and material culture of colonial America, reflecting a society that valued both utility and artistry. The production of such an object would have involved a significant investment of time and skill. By considering the artistry, labor, and social context, we gain a deeper understanding of this object and its place in history, challenging any clear distinction between fine art and craft.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart over 1 year ago

⋮

Boelen, an American silversmith of Dutch descent working in New York, belonged to a family of silversmiths. Dummer was a prominent Boston businessman and church leader in addition to working as a silversmith. Boelen's bowl recalls contemporaneous Dutch bowls with its division into six lobes and heavily chased decoration. The chasing displaces the metal, allowing the design to be visible on both exterior and interior. Its handles consist of drawing wire, manually twisted into shape and soldered onto the raised body. In contrast, Dummer's cup consists of a raised body with cast handles and bears an engraved coat of arms similar to that of the William Browne family of Boston. Dummer uncharacteristically for American goldsmiths, placed his mark prominently in the center of the cup's body. Vessels such as these were used primarily for drinking, though bowls such Boelen's were also used on feast days,filled with treats such as brandy with raisins.