Houder van olie- en azijnstel bestaande uit twee glazen flessen en een peperbus van zilver. 1783

This is a silver oil and vinegar set holder, crafted by Jan Hendrik Middelhuysen, who lived through the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These were turbulent times of revolution and shifting social structures. An object like this speaks volumes about identity and status. In an era defined by stark class divisions, the ownership of such a refined piece signaled wealth and a certain level of cultural sophistication. The set would have been a table centerpiece, a symbol of domesticity, and a signifier of the homeowner's identity. The presence of decorative elements such as the rams heads speak to the influence of classical antiquity in fashionable society. Consider how even everyday objects carry the weight of history and social meaning. This silver holder is not just a functional item; it's a relic of a time when even the dining table was a stage for social performance.