Footed beaker 1600 - 1650

This footed beaker was made by Johannes Retsch Sr. in Germany in the 17th century, likely from a sheet of silver, raised on a lathe, and decorated with chasing and gilding. Look closely and you’ll see the incredible skill and labor involved in creating this object. The silversmith would have meticulously hammered and shaped the metal, using specialized tools to create the vessel’s form. The decorative elements, from the fantastical beasts at the base to the delicate ornamentation at the rim, were then painstakingly applied. These patterns, etched into the surface, reflect the social status of the person who commissioned it, and also the artist who created it. Consider the cultural significance of this beaker. It speaks to a time when precious metals were not just materials, but symbols of wealth, power, and refined taste. Artisans like Retsch were highly valued for their ability to transform raw materials into objects of beauty and prestige, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.