Stand 1738 - 1750

Curator: At first glance, I'm struck by the pure, gleaming stillness of it. A silver surface reflecting back at the world. Editor: Indeed. What we have here is a silver stand, believed to have been crafted between 1738 and 1750, and it is attributed to Friedrich Schwestermuller II. It resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Curator: Schwestermuller’s “Stand” exudes an almost reverential quiet, wouldn't you agree? The craftsmanship is impeccable, but the reflective surfaces create this meditative sense, making it about the contents—whatever was served from it-- rather than just being a functional object. Editor: I find myself focusing on the subtle Rococo curves of the piece. The feet, those almost paw-like supports, lend it a sense of groundedness, yet there is also this ethereal lightness that is conveyed through the lustrous silver surface. What do you suppose might have sat upon such a piece? Curator: Knowing the period, one could certainly imagine sugary delicacies – comfits or perhaps marzipan fruits, presented to guests as symbols of wealth and abundance. The act of offering sweets was not simply about satisfying hunger, but also about demonstrating social status and cultivating relationships. Silver servingware elevates everyday rituals to ceremonies laden with significance. It mirrors back the aspirations of those who possessed it. Editor: So, beyond the elegant design and material, there is also a deep narrative about power and status being played out, visualized through ornamentation and objects. What I consider more formally is the balance. Even though it appears symmetrical, the light plays with the subtle curves creating pockets of interest. Curator: I agree, that asymmetry hints that reality never quite reflects the idealized form and also a degree of life and vitality to the piece as a result, suggesting growth. To see it here is a unique encounter—silver as a cultural artifact becomes something so still it can now reflect its origin. Editor: Yes, there is an art that comes into being in objects like this “Stand,” the craftsmanship speaks volumes about societal value judgments, but even more I'm captured by how it sits now as its form allows me to observe from so many angles.