Ewer 1745 - 1746

Curator: Here we have a silver ewer dating from 1745 to 1746. Look closely at its elegant, Rococo curves and sculpted detail; you can almost see the artisans working on it! Editor: It has a shimmering presence. It almost feels as if I'm looking at liquid moonlight captured in solid form. What strikes me is the dramatic contrast between its delicate features and its apparent weight, as though it's fighting against gravity. Curator: That weight and luminosity certainly mark its medium: it's crafted from solid silver, currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum. But your intuitive response gets to something crucial; Rococo decorative arts are designed to elicit that immediate sensual response. This wasn't meant for just any occasion; this piece speaks to ceremonial uses, or extravagant, luxurious dining! Editor: It does indeed feel theatrical. I notice the finial figure atop the lid, too— is that a Bacchus or some sort of classical reveler, adding to the Bacchanalian atmosphere? I love the almost theatrical composition of this Ewer. Everything seems designed to delight the eye and tantalize the senses. Curator: Exactly! Figures cavort, leafy flourishes frame a human face just beneath the pouring lip; everywhere the eye rests, there’s a surprise or a whimsical detail. It speaks volumes about the mindset of the aristocracy during that era. It encapsulates an artistic and social impulse. There are undercurrents of politics and economics present, though those seem at odds with the overt beauty, but they're inescapable, perhaps like anything historical. Editor: Absolutely. Thinking about its shape, and function makes me ponder how cold the beverage should be... It presents so beautifully; I think it speaks to an experience that involves taste, presentation, and also tactile experiences. To actually hold and pour from it may elicit pleasure, perhaps what could even be classified as a multi-sensory encounter with aesthetics. Curator: It truly represents the epoch with so much grace; let's carry on.