Standing cup 1710 - 1720

This standing cup, now at the Metropolitan Museum, was made by Niels Jonsen in the early 18th century. Crafted from silver, it showcases the silversmith’s skill in manipulating a precious material into an object of both beauty and utility. The cup's surface is adorned with delicate, chased ornamentation, likely achieved through meticulous hammering and engraving. Silver, with its inherent sheen and malleability, allows for intricate detailing, elevating the cup beyond mere functionality. The process involves a mastery of tools and techniques passed down through generations of silversmiths. The cup’s elegant form and refined decoration suggest it was made for a wealthy patron, reflecting the social hierarchies of the time, where luxury goods signified status and power. By appreciating the labor and skill invested in its creation, we recognize this cup not just as a decorative object but as a testament to the enduring connection between material, making, and social context.