Tazza, Commemorating the Relief of Bergen op Zoom c. 1625

This Tazza, commemorating the Relief of Bergen op Zoom, was crafted anonymously out of silver. Silver, a precious metal, lends itself to both detailed ornamentation and sturdy construction. This piece embodies both, through the method of hammering the metal into the desired shape. Look closely, and you can see evidence of the hand at work. The hammer marks are not entirely erased, giving the surface a subtle texture. The process involves planishing, which is the repeated striking of the metal to compress and harden it, ultimately influencing its reflective quality. Consider the labor and skill required to raise this form from a flat sheet of metal, giving it both beauty and social significance. Objects like this blur the lines between craft and fine art. They challenge us to think about the amount of labor involved in their production, and the social context in which they were created. So next time you look at a silver object, remember to appreciate the process and the rich history embedded within it.