Small tray (one of a pair) 1757 - 1759

This small, 5-inch wide silver tray is one of a pair, crafted by Johann Martin Satzger I, who lived from 1707 to 1785. Satzger’s work reflects the rococo period's fascination with opulence and intricate design, yet it also prompts us to consider the social hierarchies that such luxury items upheld. These trays weren't merely decorative; they were tools in the theater of social life, silently enforcing class distinctions. Imagine the hands that would have placed a pastry upon it. Were they adorned with rings or calloused from labor? Consider how the gleam of silver might have signaled wealth and power, reflecting the candlelight in grand rooms, while casting shadows on the realities of those who produced the raw materials. These objects invite us to reflect on the unspoken narratives of labor, value, and visibility.