Mug 1706 - 1707

This silver mug, crafted by John M. Stocker, bears an intriguing engraving: a duck pierced by an arrow. The image of a bird pierced by an arrow is not unique; it echoes the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, often depicted with arrows, symbolizing spiritual agony. Here, the duck, an everyday creature, stands in contrast to the divine agony of the Saint. We see the echo of mortal suffering in the animal world, a reflection of human fears and vulnerabilities. Consider, too, the ancient Greek myth of Philoctetes, whose incurable wound from a snakebite becomes a symbol of suffering and isolation. His bow and arrows, instruments of pain and survival, mirror the duck's pierced form, hinting at a primal connection between injury and existence. This symbol resonates through time, a testament to humanity's enduring fascination with the interplay of suffering and resilience.