Beaker 19th century

This eleven-inch beaker was crafted by Franchi and Son, but without a date to place it, we can only speculate as to its exact origins and social context. Its form and surface reveal so much about the maker's processes. Crafted from silver, this drinking vessel is brought to life through techniques of metalworking, like raising and chasing. Silver allows for incredibly refined decoration. Notice the repeating pattern of raised teardrop shapes that cover much of the beaker's surface. This ‘fish scale’ effect would have been achieved through careful hammering and shaping of the metal from the reverse, a painstaking process requiring great skill and precision. The beaker reflects the amount of work involved in its production, with the value of this piece coming not just from the intrinsic worth of the silver, but also from the silversmith's labour. Appreciating this piece involves recognizing the fusion of material, making, and social context, challenging conventional distinctions between fine art and craft.