Silver Tankard c. 1936

Giacinto Capelli created this detailed drawing of a silver tankard sometime between 1855 and 1995. Capelli's meticulous representation invites us to consider the cultural significance of such an object during its historical moment. The silver tankard, often associated with European societies, was more than a mere drinking vessel. It symbolized wealth, status, and social bonds. The intricate design and the choice of silver as a material speak to a culture that valued craftsmanship and display. The tankard might have been a family heirloom, a presentation piece, or an item used in formal social gatherings, each carrying its own set of social meanings. To fully understand this drawing, we might delve into the social history of metalwork, the class dynamics of the period, and the function of luxury objects in social rituals. Researching the Capelli family may give more clues. Art history reminds us that even seemingly simple images are embedded in a web of social and institutional relations.