Broodmand, ovaal. Met scharnierend hengsel 1803

This oval bread basket with a hinged handle was crafted in the late 18th or early 19th century by Francois Marcus Simons. It is made of silver. The basket’s delicate openwork and elegant design speak volumes about the society for which it was created. During this era, social status was often displayed through extravagant household objects. Silver, a precious material, was a favorite choice among the wealthy. The basket's design suggests a culture of refinement and leisure, where meals were elaborate social events. To fully understand the cultural significance of such an object, we can explore period etiquette manuals, inventories of wealthy households, and even literature. We can understand how art objects reflect and reinforce the social structures of their time, and how these artworks challenge existing social norms.