Cup 1600 - 1899

This cup was crafted by Reinhold Vasters, an artist active in the 19th century, and is currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The cup is a striking example of ornamental art. Notice the overall form: an undulating bowl resting on an ornate stem and base, it evokes a sense of classical elegance. The deep brown, almost marbled appearance of the stone provides a rich, earthy contrast to the intricate gold and enamel detailing that embellishes the rim and base. The cup blends natural forms with highly stylized ornamentation, typical of Renaissance revival styles. Look closer, and you'll observe how the curves of the bowl mimic natural shell forms, while the gold detailing adds a layer of artifice. The structure and detailing destabilize the boundary between nature and art. What meanings emerge when a functional object is elevated to a status symbol?