Pair of Waiters 1703 - 1704

Editor: These two objects seem so quiet, almost austere, in their gleaming silver. Curator: Indeed. What we have here is a "Pair of Waiters" by David Willaume I, who was active around the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Their surfaces are carefully ornamented, yet refined. Editor: The weight—764 grams—speaks to the preciousness of the material, the very labor involved in its crafting. These weren't everyday objects. Curator: Precisely. The linear precision and circular forms establish a visual harmony. Notice the delicate chasing work. It's a testament to the silversmith's mastery. Editor: I'm drawn to how these objects served as tools of display, reinforcing social hierarchies through their use and the consumption they facilitated. Curator: A compelling point. They reveal a world of symbolism and intention within their metallic forms. Editor: Ultimately, these waiters tell us as much about the past’s social structures as they do about Willaume's craftsmanship. Curator: Yes, and by examining their structure, we are permitted entry into the mind of the artist and the ideals of their time.