Tuitkan van tin met deksel c. 1690 - 1730

Editor: This is a pewter jug with a lid, made by Hendrik van Mehen sometime between 1690 and 1730. It’s surprisingly elegant, almost delicate, despite being made of metal. What’s your take on it? Curator: What strikes me is the material. Pewter, in this period, wouldn’t have been a casual choice. Its gleam reflected societal hierarchies, didn't it? These weren't just objects; they were quiet declarations of status. The Baroque style further emphasizes that performative aspect. What kind of social scripts might this object have been part of? Editor: So, it's less about the jug itself, and more about what it represented to the people who used it? Curator: Exactly. Consider who was drinking from this, in what setting, and what it signified about them. Was it beer, wine, water, or perhaps something medicinal? The jug becomes a player in a larger social drama. Also, how did this object become preserved and make its way into our museums today? Editor: I never thought about how a simple jug could tell such a complex story about class and social customs! Curator: These "simple" objects can be powerful lenses. How does studying such an artifact invite us to critically examine current-day signifiers of social status? Does sustainability factor in? Perhaps by asking such questions we might just be able to make a positive impact on the future. Editor: It’s amazing to think that something so ordinary could be such a potent symbol. Thank you; it has completely transformed my understanding.