Scent flask 1683

This scent flask was produced in England sometime around the late 17th century by the silversmith William Fowle. However, to call this simply a ‘scent flask’ is to miss the point, since it is part of a whole dressing table set. Such a set speaks volumes about the social life of the aristocracy. These objects of vanity were status symbols, emblems of wealth, privilege, and the leisured existence of the upper classes. Silver objects like these were not only functional, they served as conspicuous displays of luxury. Note the elaborate decoration. They represent the cultural values of the period, where appearance and presentation were highly valued. Art historians use probate records, inventories, and trade ledgers to understand the social and economic conditions that allowed such objects to be produced and consumed. By examining these historical sources we gain insight into the lives and values of the people who commissioned and used these dressing table sets.