Silver Communion Mug c. 1936

This meticulously rendered drawing by Isidore Steinberg depicts a silver communion mug. Silver, with its lustrous sheen, has long been associated with purity and preciousness, making it a fitting material for religious objects. This mug would have been carefully raised and shaped, likely using techniques like hammering and annealing to coax the metal into its elegant form. The handle, with its subtle curves and applied decoration, speaks to the silversmith's skill. Consider the labor involved in creating such an object. From mining the raw material to the skilled hands that formed it, this mug embodies a complex network of production. Silverware like this often signified status, a tangible symbol of wealth and refinement. By focusing on the material and the making, we can see how this communion mug transcends its function, becoming a potent symbol of faith, labor, and social standing. It’s a reminder that even the simplest objects can tell complex stories.