Ewer 19th century

This Ewer, now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was crafted by Franchi and Son. It is visually dominated by its elaborate, vertical structure and the tactile quality of its material, which altogether evoke a sense of opulence. The body of the ewer displays a complex relief that wraps around its form. This continuous narrative, combined with the sinuous curves of the handle and the ewer’s body, creates a dynamic visual experience. The meticulous detail across its surface transforms the metal into a canvas, challenging our perceptions of material and form. The design elements, such as the use of figural representation, align with historical artistic conventions. Yet, the ewer’s overall structure and the detailed execution encourage a more profound reflection on how craft intersects with art. It invites us to consider the semiotic interplay between form and function, material and meaning.