Spoon (one of three) 1763 - 1789

Jean-Henri Oertel crafted this silver spoon, one of a set of three, sometime in the 18th century. Its elegant simplicity is striking: the bowl's smooth, reflective surface transitions into a slender handle, culminating in a subtle, stylized shell motif. The spoon's structure balances functionality with understated ornamentation. The handle's clean lines and gradual tapering focus attention on the bowl. This highlights the object's primary function: to contain and deliver. But consider the shell at the handle's end. The motif does not disrupt the spoon's simplicity, but draws attention to the spoon's materiality, reminding us of the value placed on handcrafted items during the 1700's. The spoon, therefore, transcends its practical purpose. Its form and decoration offer a glimpse into the cultural values of its time, illustrating how even everyday objects can embody meaning beyond their immediate use.