Silver Beaker c. 1938

Michael Fenga created this drawing of a silver beaker. It is 28.9 x 22.6 cm. Fenga was born in 1855, a period that saw the rise of industrialization. Silverware such as this beaker were symbols of status and wealth during the 19th century. There is an inscription on the beaker. The engraving of initials was a way of marking ownership and heritage. The very act of marking possessions speaks volumes about the cultural values placed on identity, lineage, and the accumulation of wealth. This artwork can be seen as a study in how everyday objects carry layered meanings that reflect both personal narratives and broader societal structures. It invites us to reflect on the stories we tell ourselves and others through the objects we choose to preserve.