Tankard 1686 - 1687

Editor: Here we have a silver tankard, maker’s mark IS with cinquefoil below, at the Harvard Art Museums. Its gleaming, rounded form is quite appealing, but almost severe in its simplicity. What stands out to you? Curator: Note how the cylindrical body and the curved handle interact. The craftsman has meticulously balanced these opposing forms. Observe also how the reflective surface modulates light and shadow, creating an interplay of visual textures. Editor: So you're focusing on the relationship between the shapes themselves? Curator: Precisely. The semiotic reading might consider the relationship between form and function. Consider how the handle’s curve echoes the body’s roundness. The aesthetic appeal lies in this harmonious balance. Editor: I see it now, the balance between those forms is more striking. Curator: Yes. The tankard is more than a drinking vessel; it's a study in form and light.