Salver (one of a pair) 1731 - 1732

This salver was made by Paul de Lamerie, a master silversmith working in 18th-century London. It’s pure luxury, crafted from silver and intricately decorated. The salver's surface shines, reflecting light to emphasize its ornateness. Notice the engraved patterns, which are not merely decorative, they speak to social status and wealth. Silver at this time was not just a material, but a symbol of power. De Lamerie was renowned for his skill in chasing and engraving, techniques demanding hours of labor and a deep understanding of the material's properties. Consider the social context: this salver wasn't made for everyday use. It was destined for a wealthy household, where it would have been used to serve food or drinks, flaunting the owner's refined taste and economic power. The value of the salver resides in its material, the intensive labor required to produce it, and its role in a complex theater of social display. It’s a testament to the intertwining of craft, class, and consumption in the 1700s.