Vinaigrette 1835 - 1836

This is a vinaigrette made by Taylor & Perry, its date is unknown, and it's made of silver. The term vinaigrette refers to a small box, often made of precious metals, used to contain a sponge soaked in perfume or aromatic vinegar. These were popular accessories in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly among the upper classes, who used them to mask unpleasant odors. This example depicts a grand building, likely a stately home or important civic structure. The choice of imagery speaks to the values and aspirations of the elite who used such objects. These vinaigrettes functioned as a symbol of status and refinement, as well as a practical item. To fully understand an artwork like this, we need to look at social and economic histories of 18th and 19th-century England. Auction records, inventories of estates, and even literary sources can all provide insights into the cultural meanings attached to objects like these. The story of this vinaigrette is entwined with the story of class, consumption, and social display.