Onderschotel behorend bij een terrine 1785

This silver plate, made by Hendrik Duller, was part of a larger terrine set, objects intended for display as much as for use. The reflective surface of the silver draws the eye, while the engraved star design adds a touch of refinement. But think about the labor involved. Silverware like this would have been made using techniques passed down through generations, demanding a high level of skill and precision, from the silversmithing to the engraving. The plate would have been hammered into shape, and the scalloped edges carefully formed. Consider too that silver, as a precious metal, was historically a marker of wealth and status. Objects like these were designed to impress and reinforce social hierarchies. Silverware reflects not only the faces of those who used it, but also the economic realities of the time. So, next time you see a piece of silverware, remember that it represents not only artistry but also a complex web of labor, class, and consumption.