Salver (one of a pair) 1724

This salver was crafted in London by Paul de Lamerie, sometime in the first half of the 18th century, from silver. De Lamerie was the foremost goldsmith working in England, producing luxurious objects for a wealthy clientele keen to display their status. A piece like this is more than just a serving tray; it's a statement of belonging to the highest echelons of society. The engraved coat of arms is key. Heraldry was a visual language of lineage and power. This salver embodies the aesthetics of the British Georgian elite. Silver signaled wealth, while the craftsmanship reflected cultural refinement. We can read this object as a material embodiment of the prevailing social hierarchy. To fully understand this salver, we might research the history of the family whose crest it bears, or delve into the archives of London's goldsmithing trade. By situating this object within its historical context, we gain insight into the intricate relationship between art, power, and social identity.