Standing cup with cover 19th century

This standing cup with cover was made by Franchi and Son. This extravagant object is made of gilded silver, decorated with classical figures and scenes and adorned with enamel. Although we don't have a specific date, its style suggests it was made in Italy, probably in the 19th century. Such display pieces were a demonstration of wealth and status, intended for display in the homes of the upper classes. The cup speaks to the revival of Renaissance styles, referencing a period of artistic patronage and courtly life. Its commissioners were probably emulating the tastes of previous elites, seeking to associate themselves with a historical image of power and cultivation. Objects such as this can be investigated through archival sources that document wealth and patterns of consumption, as well as studies of design and the history of collecting. They serve to remind us that the meaning of art is never fixed, but always changes depending on its social and institutional context.