Koelvat van zilver, ovaal, op vier gebogen poten. Op de gewelfde wand aan voor- en achterzijde gegraveerde wapens. 1768

This silver cooler was crafted by Gregorius van der Toorn in the 18th century. Adorned with engraved coats of arms, it speaks to a heraldic language deeply embedded in the social fabric of its time. These crests, more than mere decoration, served as emblems of identity, lineage, and power, echoing the symbolic weight of family crests found on ancient shields and medieval tapestries. The cooler’s lion-paw feet, a motif that stretches back to antiquity, remind us of similar forms in classical Roman furniture. These motifs, initially symbols of strength and dominion, reappear throughout history. The enduring appeal of these symbols lies in their ability to tap into our collective memory. The very sight of these arms evokes emotions tied to status, honor, and the continuity of generations. In each historical reemergence, these symbols adapt, reflecting not only the conscious intentions of their creators but also the subconscious desires and anxieties of their time. Thus, this cooler is not just a vessel, but a powerful conduit connecting us to the past.