Cake basket 1724 - 1725

Editor: So, this intricately woven silver basket, made by Paul de Lamerie around 1724, looks so delicate, almost too precious to actually hold cake! I'm struck by the detail, like that little coat of arms engraved inside. What stands out to you most in this piece? Curator: You know, looking at this piece makes me think of candlelight, of whispers across a table laden with sweets, of the sheer, joyous *excess* of the early 18th century. It is just lovely, isn't it? But think about what it *meant* to own something like this then: not just money, but taste, knowledge, connection to the artisans, the means to acquire such an object, and then to flaunt it! Do you see it? Editor: Yes! It is absolutely a symbol of wealth. I guess I'm also wondering about the amount of work it took to create this. Curator: Oh, immeasurable, surely! It speaks volumes, this level of craftsmanship, and to think someone poured their heart and soul into this thing for probably a year—or more—that ends up holding some fancy fruitcake! Makes you think, doesn’t it? How fleeting life is, cake or no cake. Editor: Definitely gives a new perspective on what a cake basket could represent. I hadn't thought about the artisans at all. Curator: Me neither, at first. I imagine they probably never got to eat anything that was placed into it... Thanks for noticing this artwork!