Two-handled Cup 1718 - 1719

Editor: Here we have a "Two-handled Cup" by William Paradise, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The craftsmanship is really exquisite. What stands out to you most about its construction? Curator: Formally, the cup embodies a compelling interplay of textures and lines. Note the contrast between the smooth, reflective surfaces and the intricate chased details. How does the symmetry contribute to your reading? Editor: I think the symmetry gives it a sense of formality and importance. It's very balanced. Curator: Precisely. The proportional harmony and the repetitive motifs contribute to a feeling of classical order. Editor: This piece really highlights the beauty of form and structure. Curator: Indeed, it is a study in material and form.