Invalid's cup (Biberon) 1765 - 1785

This silver invalid’s cup, or biberon, was made in Rome by Luigi Valadier, sometime before 1785. The cup is beautifully formed, with elegant fluting, a refined spout, and a delicate handle terminating in small scrolls. However, its specialized function is most intriguing. As the name suggests, it was designed to feed someone unable to use a conventional cup. The spout allowed for liquids to be administered carefully, while the handle facilitated a secure grip. The making of this biberon required a high degree of skill. Silver is a relatively soft metal, and forming it into such a precise shape would have demanded careful hammering, annealing, and polishing. The silversmith also would have needed the ability to plan the object in three dimensions. Considered today, this object collapses the boundary between art, craft, design and medicine. It prompts us to consider how care and attention to detail can be invested into even the most functional of objects.