Bowl with cover (écuelle) and plate 1713 - 1715

Curator: Wow, that's a shimmering beauty! My first impression is: ridiculously decadent! Editor: It is indeed. What we're looking at is a silver bowl with cover and plate, or an "écuelle," crafted between 1713 and 1715. A dazzling example of Baroque decorative art now residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Curator: Baroque indeed! I mean, just the sheer gleam of that silver, and all those little sculpted details, the medallions… You could get lost staring into that thing. Did people actually use these for soup? Imagine slopping broth all over that intricate work! Editor: More likely, this was a status symbol. Silverwork like this reflected power and sophistication, meant for display at court and other official ceremonies. This type of object served a vital function in establishing identity within these settings. Curator: A political soup bowl? Editor: (chuckles) Essentially, yes. These pieces were designed not just to contain food but also to proclaim wealth and refined taste. Curator: I love that. It's such a direct expression of power through craft. I imagine each tiny floral scroll was a silent boast, like "Look at me, I can afford artistry on my *soup* bowl!" How was something like this actually made, piece by piece? Editor: It would have taken a highly skilled silversmith, probably part of a workshop producing for the royal court or wealthy elite. The silver would have been hammered, cast, chased with specialized tools, and then polished to bring out the brilliance. Look closely and you’ll notice just how complex the ornamentation is, requiring precise craftsmanship. Curator: It’s incredible. Knowing that makes the impact that much stronger. Suddenly the sheer shininess isn’t just showing off. It’s telling a story about the time and skill of the artist, the wealth and ambitions of the owner, the values of a whole society obsessed with appearances. Editor: Exactly! Objects like this allow us to peel back the layers of history and reflect on our contemporary moment and the artifacts that reflect us and define the cultural landscape. Curator: So next time I’m feeling fancy, maybe I'll eat my ramen out of a silver bowl. Just to keep things in perspective. Editor: (laughing) It's a thought! Although I'm not sure your modern instant noodles would be quite the intended effect.