Écuelle with cover 1685 - 1700

This elegant silver Écuelle with cover was crafted in 1691 by Daniel Garnier. Silver, with its inherent qualities of sheen and malleability, elevates this humble food vessel. The silversmithing processes involved—raising, hammering, engraving, and chasing—demand immense skill. Note how the techniques used to create the bowl’s smooth, curved form contrast with the intricate openwork handles, the beaded rim, and the engraved heraldic crests. Each element speaks to traditions of craftsmanship, reflecting social status and cultural refinement. Silverwork like this was not merely functional; it was a display of wealth, tied to issues of labor and consumption in the late 17th century. The considerable labor needed to create this level of detail underscores the value placed on handcraft in a pre-industrial world. Considering the materials, making, and social context allows us to appreciate the Écuelle beyond its utilitarian purpose, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.