Wine taster 1752 - 1758

François-Isaac Balduc made this silver wine taster, its surface cool to the eye, sometime in the 18th century. The circular form is interrupted by a modest handle, yet it’s the intricate surface design that first captures our attention. Notice the pattern of teardrop shapes, creating a rhythmic interplay of light and shadow. These shapes function almost as a code. Are they purely decorative or do they symbolize something more? The repetitive nature might reflect the rituals of wine tasting itself. The inscription of a name, possibly the owner's, suggests the intersection of craftsmanship and personal identity. This small object functions as both an instrument for sensory experience and a marker of social status. As you consider its form, reflect on how such an object enters into complex cultural practices.