Wilhelmina en Wellington c. 1814

This delicate cup, crafted by Adrianus Johannes Bik, presents a study in contrasts and complements. The pristine white porcelain serves as a ground for the intricate, gilded details that encircle it. Notice the gold, how it defines the cup’s lip and base, creating a sense of contained opulence. The monochromatic portraiture is framed by festoons of golden drapery, hinting at celebration and honour. The inscription, rendered in the same gleaming gold, speaks to the cup's commemorative function, likely celebrating royalty or a significant alliance. The cup invites us to reflect on the semiotics of power and commemoration embedded in everyday objects. It prompts us to consider how simple objects reflect broader cultural values. The tension between utility and artistry invites us to question fixed meanings of value.