Communion cup 1733 - 1734

This is a communion cup made by George Wickes, a prominent silversmith in 18th-century England. Wickes, who became a master goldsmith in 1721, crafted pieces that reflected the opulence and social stratification of his time. This cup would have been used within the Anglican Church, a symbol of spiritual communion and social cohesion. But think about who had access to such an object. The elite members of society likely commissioned and used these elaborate pieces, reinforcing their status through displays of wealth even in sacred settings. Consider the religious and political landscape of the era, marked by the Church of England's established power and the ongoing tensions between religious factions. The inscription on the cup marks a specific donation, an act that intertwines personal piety with public recognition. It serves as a reminder that even objects of worship are embedded in a network of social relations, shaped by patronage, power, and the desire for remembrance.