Basin 1728 - 1729

This silver basin was crafted by Christophe-François Lacompart, a silversmith active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Made from a valuable material, its gleaming surface speaks to the wealth and status of its owner. The basin’s form has been achieved through skilled manipulation of the silver. Notice the hammering of the silver into the desired shape. The elegantly scalloped rim, adorned with repetitive, tooth-like ornamentation, shows sophisticated metalworking techniques. The work would have involved skills passed down through generations of artisans. Such a piece reflects the culture of courtly life, conspicuous consumption, and artistic patronage. Silver was not just a material, but a symbol of power and social standing. The basin, therefore, transcends its function, embodying the intricate relationship between artistry, labor, and social hierarchy.