Dram Cup 1670 - 1700

Editor: Here we have a silver dram cup made between 1670 and 1700 by Jeremiah Dummer. It's such a small and delicate object, and the twisted handles give it a rather formal feel. How do you interpret its purpose and significance in its time? Curator: Well, it's crucial to understand the social context. Objects like this dram cup, while seemingly simple, reflect the growing economic power of certain groups in colonial America. The Baroque style, even in this miniature form, was associated with European aristocracy. Owning such items signaled an aspiration to higher social status, a conscious effort to emulate European models. Who had access to items like these, and what did it signify in terms of wealth and privilege? Editor: So it's more than just a cup; it's a symbol. What about the location of where the item was created, the American colonies? Curator: Precisely! This cup offers insights into the intricate relationship between the colonies and Europe. It demonstrates how artistic styles and social aspirations were imported and adapted within a burgeoning colonial society. It invites us to consider questions of cultural identity and social mobility in the colonial context. Was it meant to solidify the identity of the American people or rather copy a way of living that already existed in Europe? Editor: I see, it's fascinating how a small object can open up larger questions about society and power. I never considered the politics embedded within something seemingly so innocuous. Curator: Exactly, art rarely exists in a vacuum. By considering its history, it offers rich insights into how societies evolve and how power dynamics shape material culture. Editor: Thanks, that really changed how I see this little cup! I appreciate your shedding light on the relationship between society and the beautiful Dram Cup.