Goblet with a man holding a jug 1751

This goblet with a man holding a jug was crafted by an anonymous artist. Drinking glasses like this one, found in the Netherlands, show the intimate connection between social life and the production of images. This piece provides a valuable insight into how the Dutch perceived themselves and others during that period. We can read this goblet as a sign of its time, as it reflects the values, beliefs, and power dynamics that were prevalent in Dutch society. We might ask, who is this man? The figure portrayed on the glass embodies the ideals of the Dutch middle class. His self-assured gaze and confident posture suggest the rising power and influence of merchants in the 17th century. The jug could be a symbol of the era's trade and prosperity, or perhaps the Dutch value of hospitality. Historical documents, literature, and archival records can tell us more about the culture that produced it. In understanding the cultural forces at play, we move closer to understanding its meaning.