Ewer 1732 - 1733

This Ewer was made by Claude-Alexis Moulineau, probably in Paris, and is made from silver. Silver is a remarkable material for vessels like this; it’s valuable, of course, but also easily worked and polished to a high shine. You can see that quality in this ewer, which has a fluid form, moving from its bulbous base to a cylindrical neck and an elegant handle. The spout is crisply articulated, as is the decoration around the lid and foot. All this was achieved by a silversmith with years of experience. The question is, what would it have meant to own something like this? The answer lies in the high value of the material, the labor involved, and the stylish profile of the finished object. It’s a piece intended for an elite consumer, someone keen to display their wealth and refined taste. Looking at the way it was crafted and the context in which it was used, the ewer encourages us to look beyond traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.