Hoepelende jongen c. 1856 - 1858

This silver napkin ring depicting a boy with a hoop, was made by W. Freen, sometime before 1866. The material is critical here: silver, a precious metal, speaks to a certain level of affluence. It would have required mining, refining, and skilled labor to transform the raw material into this whimsical form. Silver is valuable because it resists tarnish and corrosion, making it an ideal material for domestic objects, but also because it is so easily worked. The silversmith has exploited the malleability of the metal to create a delicate, detailed figure and hoop. Consider the amount of handwork involved in creating such a piece. Each element, from the boy’s clothing to the hoop itself, would have been shaped and soldered with great care. The object isn't just functional; it's a statement about the owner’s taste and social standing. In the end, this napkin ring blurs the lines between fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the artistry embedded in everyday objects.