Kurkentrekker in koker, met cachet, op handvat man en paard after 1813

This is a rather special corkscrew made by Roelof Citroen: it's a shiny object made of silver. Now, silver as a material gives an immediate impression of luxury. But look closer, and you will see how the material has been worked. The handle is intricately cast, shaped, and engraved. And observe the figures of the man and horse; these required skill with very small tools. Clearly, this is not merely a utilitarian object. In this case, the corkscrew elevates the simple act of opening a bottle of wine into a refined ritual. The precious metal and craftsmanship involved suggest that the owner of this corkscrew would have belonged to the upper class. So next time you see a fancy gadget like this one, consider not just its function, but also the social context of its making. Objects like these offer a glimpse into the lives and values of those who created and used them.