Peg tankard 1711

Editor: We're looking at a Peg Tankard from 1711, crafted in silver by Bendix Aagsen Lund. It's a rather ornate object. Those little lion feet are particularly striking! How would you interpret the significance of such an object in its time? Curator: It’s a fascinating artifact for understanding social rituals and power dynamics in early 18th-century Europe. The very existence of such an elaborate drinking vessel tells us about the status and wealth of its owner, doesn’t it? Silver wasn’t exactly commonplace. Editor: Right, it's not something everyone would own. Curator: Exactly. It points to the rising merchant class and their aspiration to emulate aristocratic lifestyles. Silverware became a symbol of social mobility, and tankards like these were displayed prominently, used in social gatherings. The peg system inside likely regulated the consumption of alcohol, reflecting attempts to manage social behaviors in communal drinking settings. It makes me wonder what political or social messages were being conveyed, even subtly, through its display and use. What does the overt display tell us? Editor: So, more than just a fancy mug, it's about sending a message? Controlling the amount consumed seems important. Curator: Precisely! Think about it - displaying wealth but also trying to maintain some sort of social control within your household or community. It's a reflection of the broader socio-political tensions of the time, isn’t it? The artwork shows so much more about daily life during the Baroque Era. Editor: That's a great perspective. I was just focused on its visual appeal. Now I'm thinking about who was using it and what they were trying to say! Curator: Art so often gives us this access point; objects contain social memory and offer a chance for us to engage with values, issues, tensions. Editor: Definitely gives you a new appreciation for something as simple as a mug!