Large oval box (one of a pair) 1775 - 1777

This large oval box was crafted in Germany in the mid-18th century by Gottlieb Satzger. The silver box, one of a pair, showcases the opulence of the Rococo style, reflecting the tastes of the aristocratic elite. The intricate floral and scrollwork designs, meticulously crafted into the silver, speak to the importance of artistry and craftsmanship during this period. Satzger’s work, like that of other silversmiths, served a clientele that was eager to display their wealth and status through luxurious items. The box is a kind of luxury object that would have been secured by a key, thus restricting access to the riches within it. The presence of such boxes in museums today owes to the rise of the art market that emerged in the 19th century. Wealthy collectors and institutions like the Metropolitan Museum sought to acquire these objects, preserving them and showcasing them as symbols of a bygone era. Further research into the archives of German silversmithing guilds and period inventories would likely reveal more about the object.