Tankard 1645 - 1655

This tankard, now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was crafted by Valentinius Urbiger, likely in the late 16th or early 17th century. Its cylindrical form and ornate detailing command attention. The burnished body of the tankard displays an even, machine-like texture of diamond patterns, offering a tactile invitation. Horizontal bands of polished metal emphasize its structure, grounding the verticality with a strong visual anchor. Note the sculptural handle, a flourish of curves providing contrast to the geometric body. Atop the lid, a small figure of a deer offers a whimsical touch. The tankard uses a structural framework and a semiotic system to communicate ideas about status and craftsmanship. The attention to symmetry and balance reflects a desire for order and precision. By destabilizing the expectation of purely functional design, the artist elevates the object. The tankard becomes more than just a drinking vessel; it's a statement of wealth and refined taste. The tankard's materiality—the cold, hard metal transformed into an object of beauty—speaks to a larger philosophical discourse about the relationship between form and function, art and life.