Tankard 1730 - 1765

This tankard was crafted by Michael May II in Augsburg, probably between 1750 and 1776. It combines silver and gilded silver to create a vessel of elaborate detail. The eye is immediately drawn to the density of its ornamentation. Note the careful arrangements of floral motifs, acanthus leaves, and figural elements across its surface. The tankard is structured into distinct horizontal zones: the base, the body, and the lid, each treated with a unique decorative program. The handle, a Baroque flourish, adds a dynamic, sculptural contrast to the cylindrical body. The form reflects the period's taste for lavish display and the skilled craftsmanship necessary to achieve such intricate detail. This piece destabilizes the utilitarian function of a drinking vessel, transforming it into a complex object of art. The semiotic reading of its elements places it within a cultural context of wealth, status, and the celebration of artisanal excellence. Consider how the reflective qualities of the silver and gilding not only enhance its visual appeal but also underscore its value as a symbol of power and luxury.