Coffeepot 1738 - 1739

This is a silver coffeepot made by Sébastien Igonet, a master silversmith in Paris, sometime in the mid-18th century. Its sinuous curves and ornate details reflect the Rococo style, but more than that, it speaks to a pivotal moment in the history of global trade and the rise of consumer culture. Coffee, once an exotic luxury, had become a fashionable drink among the French aristocracy. Silver coffeepots like this one were status symbols, signs of wealth and refinement. The coffeepot reflects the French obsession with luxury and the display of status, revealing how taste became a marker of social distinction. Looking at this coffeepot, it's important to remember the historical conditions of its making. The coffee itself came from plantations in the colonies, where enslaved people toiled to meet the growing demand in Europe. To truly understand this coffeepot, we can consult historical records, trade statistics, and abolitionist writings. This way we can gain a deeper insight into the complex social and economic forces that shaped its creation.