Basket (one of a pair) 1729 - 1730

This is one of a pair of silver baskets made by Paul de Lamerie, and displayed here at The Met. Notice how the basket’s oval form is meticulously constructed with an intricate lattice pattern, offering both visual lightness and structural integrity. The twisted handles add a tactile dimension, contrasting with the smooth, reflective surface of the silver. The engraved heraldic crest at the center disrupts the regularity of the lattice, introducing a focal point that speaks to the basket's function as a symbol of status and identity. De Lamerie’s work transcends mere functionality; it challenges our perceptions of space and form. The basket, with its interplay of open and closed spaces, questions fixed meanings and engages with new ways of thinking about representation in the domestic sphere. Consider the basket's aesthetic appeal, and how it is embedded within a larger discourse about wealth, taste, and the semiotic language of objects in the 18th century.