Koekenpan 1780

This little silver pan was made by Hendrik Duller sometime between 1749 and 1820. Silver is an interesting choice for kitchenware; it's beautiful, but also a very soft and conductive material. That means this pan would heat up fast, potentially scorching its contents. The silversmith's expertise lies in their deep knowledge of the material, understanding how to manipulate it into shape. Silver, unlike iron, is a precious material that does not rust. This pan had to be hammered and formed with a delicate touch to create the pan's shape. Of course, such a luxury item also speaks to the hierarchies of labour. Think of all the work involved in extracting the raw material, refining it, and finally crafting this pan. This piece invites us to think about the relationship between functionality, status, and the huge amount of work and skill involved in its production.