Set of three casters 1741 - 1742

These three silver casters were made by Paul de Lamerie, a master silversmith working in 18th-century England. They reflect the lavish tastes of the British aristocracy during the Georgian era. Each caster is elaborately decorated, featuring floral motifs, heraldic crests, and lion masks, reflecting the fashion for ornamentation in the period and a display of wealth and status. The skulls around the base are a vanitas motif, reminding us that life is fleeting. The design and craftsmanship speak to the social conditions that fostered such artistic production: a stable economy, access to precious materials, and a class of wealthy patrons eager to commission luxury goods. Researching the lives of Lamerie’s patrons, their social networks, and their collecting habits, can tell us a lot about the social history of art. The museum itself plays a role in shaping the way we understand and value these objects today.