Pointed salver with Hannah and Samuel 1618 - 1631

Curator: Here we have an exquisite pointed salver rendered in silver, created between 1618 and 1631. The piece is further adorned with relief engraving depicting "Hannah and Samuel". Editor: Well, first thought? It’s remarkably intricate! I'm immediately drawn to the fine detailing; the baroque embellishments almost give it the impression of something not quite of this earth, like a prop from some fantastical space opera. Curator: Indeed, its detail speaks to the salver's function in its day. Beyond just being tableware, items like these affirmed a family's status, reflecting their wealth, piety, and connection to Biblical history, as demonstrated through the depiction of Hannah and Samuel. Editor: I get that sense of old-world dignity, though honestly the story being engraved feels so formal! Did folks actually use this thing, or was it really just to show off how religiously prosperous one could be? Curator: Both, probably! Function and representation were inextricably intertwined. The religious imagery served as a constant reminder of moral obligations and aspirations in their daily life. Displaying it declared one's values publicly, it's a very performative way to show social values. Editor: Okay, so it was like an early version of a virtue signal? Still, beyond that, I wonder about the artisan— imagining someone so meticulously creating this by hand for someone else feels oddly intimate, even across centuries. The commitment. Curator: Well, you've touched on a very significant point. These salvers were part of a vast, structured industry of skilled artisans who played a crucial role in constructing the identities and prestige of the families who commissioned them. They certainly occupied a powerful position in mediating cultural values. Editor: That puts it in a new perspective. From something delicate and unique to a component of the society in its period... I'll never look at antique silverware the same way. Curator: Art has a power to teach us a lot of what has gone by while, sometimes, feeling connected to its people and life. Editor: I have a new appreciation for shiny virtue signals—from another age. Thank you.