Jachthoorn 1849

This is a hunting horn made by Johannes Mattheus van Kempen, its precise date is unknown. The silver object is characterized by its baroque ornamentation which contrasts the instrument's intended function. The horn's highly polished surface and ornate chasing create a play of light and shadow that animates the surface. The extravagant decoration transforms the horn into a sculptural object, challenging our understanding of functionality in design. The density of the ornamentation also obscures the object's practical function and invites a reading that explores semiotics and value. Consider how the transformation of a functional object into a decorative piece engages with broader philosophical questions about the value we place on objects, their cultural significance and the blurring lines between art and utility.