Two knives 1730 - 1765

These two knives were crafted by Albert Schurman sometime in the 18th century and are currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Their visual impact is one of elegant simplicity: the smooth, reflective surfaces and graceful lines evoke a sense of understated luxury. Each knife is carefully composed, balancing the curves of the blade with the rounded, ornamented handle. The material itself, presumably silver, offers a sensuous tactile experience translated into a smooth visual texture. Schurman's work reflects a broader artistic concern with symmetry and proportion, echoing the neo-classical ideals that emphasized order and harmony. Here the knives are presented as more than mere functional objects; they are elevated to the status of art, inviting us to reconsider the values we place on craftsmanship, design, and everyday life. They embody both function and symbolic value.