Flagon c. mid 19th century

This is a flagon, made in pewter by Caron à Lille. At first glance, the vessel is simply a utilitarian object, yet it speaks volumes about ritual and social life through the ages. Consider how vessels like these, designed to hold and pour liquids, appear throughout history in vastly different contexts. Think of the libation vessels in ancient Greek and Roman rites, connecting mortals with gods. Or recall the chalice in Christian iconography, representing the blood of Christ and central to the Eucharist, a sacred, communal act. This pewter flagon, though more modest in material, echoes these earlier forms. Its very shape evokes the act of pouring, of offering, whether in sacred ceremony or convivial gathering. These vessels, regardless of their specific use or era, are potent symbols. They trigger a collective memory of shared experiences, of ritual and community, that engages us on a subconscious level. The form persists, adapted and reimagined.