Facsimile of St. Christopher Goblet (South German, c. 1485) c. 1900

Curator: At the Harvard Art Museums, we have a striking piece: a South German goblet, circa 1485, known as a facsimile of the St. Christopher Goblet. Editor: It's remarkably ornate! There's something almost gothic about the way the form builds, layer upon layer, creating a sense of visual weight. Curator: Indeed. St. Christopher, of course, is the patron saint of travelers. In art, he's often depicted carrying the Christ Child across a river, a symbol of guidance and protection. Editor: I'm curious about the maker of this goblet. What kind of workshop produced such a complex object? Was it a collaborative process, with different artisans specializing in different aspects? Curator: Likely so. These objects weren't just beautiful; they were also investments. They signified status, power, and piety, all bound into one object. Editor: Thinking about the materials, the metal, and the labor involved, it really speaks to a specific historical economy and its values. Curator: Absolutely, and considering St. Christopher’s protective role, it likely served as a symbol of safeguarding one's earthly possessions, as well as one's soul. Editor: It’s more than just a cup, isn't it? It's a vessel brimming with cultural, social, and economic significance.