Beaker 1700 - 1715

This silver beaker, made by Matthäus Baur II, invites us to consider the material culture of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Baur, a member of a family of Augsburg goldsmiths, crafted this beaker, which reflects the opulence and craftsmanship valued during the Baroque period. Consider the role of silver objects like this in shaping social status and identity. Silverware was a marker of wealth and taste, reflecting one's position within the hierarchical structures of the time. What did it mean to own such a piece, and how did it influence social interactions and self-perception? The carefully worked details at the beaker's base would have signaled refinement and access to skilled labor. This beaker is a reminder of the everyday objects that carried significant cultural weight, shaping identities and social landscapes.