Bowl with cover (perfume burner) 1599

This intriguing bowl with cover, or perfume burner, was crafted by Giuseppe de' Levi, a prominent artist who lived between 1522 and 1614. During de' Levi’s time, there was a fascination in Europe with classical antiquity, influencing art and culture. Silverware like this was not just functional, but also a display of wealth and cultural sophistication. Look at the figures adorning the top – these idealized nudes reflect Renaissance ideals of beauty and classical mythology, common subjects for male artists at this time. They often served as allegories or symbols of virtue, power, or beauty. Now, consider the sensuality of this piece. The figures’ bodies are meant to engage the senses, to be admired and perhaps even envied. But who had access to such beauty and luxury? How were women actually seen and treated during this period, and how does that contrast with their idealized representation here? This piece invites us to reflect on the relationships between power, beauty, and representation, and what it meant to live in that time.