Beaker 1670 - 1675

This silver beaker was made by Samuel Schneeweiss, a German goldsmith, sometime between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. During this period, Europe was in a state of religious and political turmoil as the Protestant Reformation challenged the dominance of the Catholic Church, resulting in a series of conflicts and wars. This beaker gives us insight into the intersection of identity, craftsmanship, and social status of this era. Schneeweiss, as a craftsman, was part of a rising merchant class that gained prominence through their skills and trade. The hammered texture, in contrast to smooth polished surfaces, speaks to a preference for handmade aesthetics, imbuing the object with a sense of authenticity and the craftsman's personal touch. The beaker, as a vessel for drink, suggests gatherings, celebrations, and social rituals which can be a potent symbol of community, but can exclude different social groups. In its simplicity, the beaker invites reflection on how everyday objects can embody complex social and cultural meanings.