Oval dish 1782 - 1783

This oval dish was created by Antoine Théry, likely in the late 18th or early 19th century, using silver. The inherent qualities of silver– its luster, malleability, and considerable weight– all speak to an aesthetic of luxury. Forming a dish like this would have involved specialized skills. The silversmith would have melted, hammered, and shaped the metal, using tools to create the precise curves and decorative details along the rim. Silver, of course, is also a precious material, so the creation of such an object represents a significant investment of resources. While the form of the dish is relatively simple, the craftsmanship involved elevates it beyond mere functionality. The dish represents a culture of dining and display, and the specialized labor of the artisan contributes to the overall value and cultural significance of the object. It’s important to consider the context in which such an object was made and used, challenging any strict separation between the fine and decorative arts.