Two-handled cup with cover 1742 - 1743

Curator: Looking at this elaborate silver creation by Paul de Lamerie, I’m immediately struck by its almost dizzying intricacy. The "Two-handled cup with cover", crafted around 1742 or 1743, just screams excess, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely! It’s like a wild party frozen in metal. There’s something so joyous, almost chaotic, in the abundance of detail. Makes you want to reach out and run your fingers along every twist and flourish. Though I am almost afraid I will find a little silver mouse. Curator: Precisely. De Lamerie was a master silversmith, catering to the whims of the wealthy. This cup wasn't just functional; it was a blatant display of status and the skilled labour involved in its manufacture. Think of the workshops, the specialized artisans dedicating hours to achieve this level of ornamentation! Editor: And to think of what was drank out of this cup, how was it used? Do we dare to imagine the secrets shared in a room where such opulence sat center stage. I'd guess sweet wine, probably sherry! It’s heavy though; could you imagine holding it for a long period of time? Your forearms would feel that! Curator: The Rococo style, with its emphasis on asymmetry and ornate detailing, is really evident here. Each curve, each leafy tendril seems designed to delight the eye. But there's also a calculated element: the manipulation of light and shadow across the surface adds depth and richness. Editor: Makes me think of those elaborate dessert displays you see in old movies. It’s utterly impractical and beautiful at the same time. It’s also intriguing how, even in this age of mass production, we’re still drawn to things that show the obvious mark of the hand. Curator: I completely agree. These pieces speak to an inherent human appreciation for skill and craft. Examining these helps us better understand the complex social structures and labor systems of the time and even today. It's also about material culture, what society chooses to value and preserve. Editor: Ultimately it evokes for me not just beauty but an acknowledgment, a shared nod to human striving for beauty and that’s why we stare into the void when we admire artwork like this. It’s not just fancy dinnerware. It is humanity encapsulated in metal.