Footed tankard 1666 - 1699

This footed tankard was made by Christoph Pfannenstill, a German artist, sometime between 1625 and 1725. A piece like this is more than just a vessel; it speaks volumes about the social life of its time. In 17th and 18th century Europe, the rise of the merchant class fueled the demand for finely crafted objects. Tankards like this reflected the owner’s status and taste and were used in social gatherings to cement bonds and conduct business. The choice of pewter, a relatively affordable material, suggests this tankard was intended for a broad section of society, not just the elite. Its design, while functional, incorporates decorative elements that reflect the aesthetic sensibilities of the period. To understand this piece fully, we need to delve into the economic structures of the time, study guild records, and examine similar objects in museum collections. Such research helps us appreciate art not just as aesthetic achievement but as a cultural artifact deeply embedded in its historical moment.