Vork van zilver 1821

This silver fork, or 'Vork van zilver' was made by A. Keun at an unknown date. It is a simple object, yet its existence speaks volumes about shifts in dining etiquette and social class. The fork, as a symbol of civility, gained prominence in Europe. Its adoption reflects a growing emphasis on refinement and decorum, particularly among the upper classes. Silverware became a marker of status, a way to display wealth and adherence to social norms. This little fork is a manifestation of social differentiation through material culture. Historians can use sources such as etiquette manuals, inventories of household goods, and even paintings depicting dining scenes to understand the fork’s place in society. Such research reveals how seemingly mundane objects become carriers of social meaning, reflecting the values and power structures of their time.