Deksel met het opschrift: Multi nimium nemo satis before 1692

This glass goblet with a lid, etched with the inscription "Multi nimium nemo satis" -- too much for many, enough for no one -- was crafted by an anonymous maker, likely in the Netherlands during the 17th or 18th century. The goblet's inscription offers a glimpse into the values and social tensions of the Dutch Golden Age. A time of unprecedented economic expansion fueled by global trade and mercantile capitalism. This rapid accumulation of wealth brought about a new social order that challenged traditional norms and hierarchies. The inscription suggests a preoccupation with the ethics of consumption and the potential pitfalls of material excess. To fully understand this goblet, we must consider the social and intellectual history of the period. Examining period literature, sermons, and moral treatises can shed light on the cultural anxieties surrounding wealth, luxury, and social mobility. By situating the goblet within its historical context, we can appreciate its significance as a reflection on the complex social and economic forces that shaped the Dutch Golden Age.