Charger 1731 - 1732

This silver charger, now at the Met, was crafted by Paul de Lamerie, a master silversmith working in 18th-century London. The first thing you might notice is the way the silver shines. This isn't just inherent to the material; it's the result of countless hours of polishing. Imagine the labor required to bring such a large surface to this mirror-like finish! The raised border, too, testifies to a skilled hand, carefully hammering and chasing the silver into intricate relief. But this charger isn't just about technical virtuosity. The coat of arms engraved at its center speaks to the social context of its creation. This was a piece made for display, a symbol of wealth and status in a society increasingly defined by consumption. De Lamerie's workshop was a site of production, where skilled artisans like him transformed raw materials into luxury goods. Looking at this object, we are invited to consider the relationship between artistry, labor, and social aspiration, challenging traditional notions of art.