Bottle 1935 - 1942

Van Silvay, who lived between 1855 and 1995, created this bottle without a known date and with unknown means. Notice the decorative elements. The shape of the bottle with its elongated neck reminds us of ancient amphorae. Its decoration points to another history entirely, as we see motifs reminiscent of those found in non-Western art. Silvay made this work during a period of heightened global exchange, and there’s a tension here between the bottle’s functionality and its elaborate decoration, raising questions about its purpose. "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see," said Edgar Degas, and perhaps Silvay's intent was to present an object that encourages us to see beyond the surface, prompting conversations about cultural heritage, identity, and the narratives we construct around everyday objects.