Tankard 1700 - 1730

Curator: Here we have a silver tankard crafted by William Vilant, sometime between 1700 and 1730. These objects served both functional and symbolic roles, reflecting societal hierarchies of the Baroque era. Editor: Ooh, it's got that regal vibe, doesn't it? Like something you'd see in a portrait of a bewigged nobleman. Sort of cold, but also suggests boisterous feasts and wassail. Curator: The tankard's Baroque design situates it within a broader European context. The English elite strategically acquired these pieces of silverware to align themselves with Continental ideals of wealth and power. One may think of the craftsmanship itself and consider labor conditions, economic dynamics, and gendered roles of artisans involved in this kind of creation. Editor: I love how the light plays on the surface of the metal. It almost looks fluid, despite being so rigid and clearly crafted for display and… use, of course! Imagine hoisting this at a feast, with the weight in your hand, the silver reflecting candlelight… you could really feel like royalty, at least for a few gulps. Curator: Precisely. Furthermore, the emblems on the handle hint at a social stratification and a sense of historical belonging among elites. Consider the cultural politics inherent to owning and showcasing such luxury items and the symbolic values they embodied. It's essential to investigate social performances of Baroque aristocracy within power relations of colonialism, gender inequality and class hierarchies. Editor: Totally. There is something funny too: it makes you want to break the solemnity! Like, I'd feel obliged to use it for something really ridiculous… I don't know, a huge portion of chocolate milkshake at 3 AM in my pajamas. Sort of undermining all that historical seriousness in a joyful way! Curator: I appreciate that reflection, reminding us to consider how historical items engage with our own contemporary moment, and invite us to challenge prevailing notions about seriousness and social class. Editor: Exactly! It shows how silly humans have always been no matter what and makes it fun to think of them and to have a little peek into what mattered for them.