Pair of crystal boxes with covers (part of a set) 1848 - 1849

This is one of a pair of crystal boxes with covers, made by Johann Bernhard Hertz, probably in Germany, though we can’t be certain of the exact date. Though small, these boxes speak volumes about the social history of luxury and display. Consider the materials: crystal and silver, both costly, and requiring skilled artisans to produce. The delicate engraving on the lid, framing a monogram, suggests a personalized object, perhaps a gift or an item of personal adornment for someone of means. It reflects the rise of a prosperous merchant class in 19th-century Europe, eager to emulate aristocratic tastes, while also making a claim to new aesthetic values. These boxes offer a glimpse into a world of social aspirations. To fully understand them, we might delve into period trade records, fashion magazines, or even novels that depict the material culture of the time. Art history is more than just looking; it's about uncovering the stories objects tell about society.