Ontwerp voor een dekselbeker c. 1845 - 1855

Frédéric-Jules Rudolphi rendered this design for a covered cup in graphite and watercolor. It is a drawing, but it asks us to consider the object it represents, and the means by which it would be produced. The design suggests the cup would have been constructed through skilled metalworking, likely involving hammering, chasing, and possibly casting for the more ornate elements. Gilding might have been applied to accentuate the details, calling for further expertise. The cup's design, with its elaborate ornamentation, speaks to a culture of luxury and conspicuous consumption. The labor involved in crafting such an object would have been considerable, demanding a workshop setting with specialized roles. Designs like these blur the line between art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the skill and artistry embedded in functional objects. It reminds us of the social and economic context that gives rise to such creations.