Small vase with cover 1683

This silver "Small vase with cover" was crafted by William Fowle in the late 17th century. The vase embodies a baroque sensibility through its intricate details and tactile presence. Notice the way the form is articulated: the eye is drawn to the cylindrical body, and the lid, each densely decorated with relief ornamentation. The chased silver reflects light in such a way as to create a dazzling effect. Looking closely, we see that Fowle challenges the conventional simplicity associated with functional objects. The vase's form destabilizes traditional notions of utility, merging aesthetics with function. The heavy ornamentation transforms the mundane into the magnificent. This is not just an object, but a statement about taste and value in the late 17th century. The object's complex play of light and shadow invites us to interpret the cultural codes embedded within its structure.