Zoutvat met bloem- en bladranken 1711

This silver salt cellar was made by Abraham Marshoorn, who lived from 1683 to 1756. Silver objects like this were made by specialist silversmiths, highly skilled in their craft. The work has a bulbous base sitting on three feet, with an open cylindrical top, decorated with chased floral and foliate designs. Its material influences its appearance, giving it a shiny surface and considerable weight for its size. The silversmith would have worked the material through hammering, annealing, and chasing, employing techniques passed down through generations. These processes have imbued the artwork with social and cultural significance, reflecting the Dutch Republic's wealth and global trade networks. The amount of work involved in the production process demonstrates the value placed on luxury goods. Paying close attention to materials, making, and context helps us understand the full meaning of an artwork, and challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.