Wine cooler (one of a pair) 1781

Editor: So, here we have a baroque silver wine cooler – well, actually, one of a pair – made by Ignaz Joseph Würth in 1781. The detail is just incredible. What stands out to me is how opulent it feels, almost excessively so. What do you see in it? Curator: This wine cooler, rendered in silver, immediately speaks to me of material and labor. Consider the process: the mining of silver, its refinement, and then the immense skill required to hammer, chase, and engrave it into this elaborate form. The object becomes a testament to the division of labor, of specialist skills passed down through generations within the guild system. Editor: That’s fascinating. I was just thinking about aesthetics, not really the social aspects... Curator: But aren’t they intertwined? This isn’t just a functional object; it's a symbol of wealth and status. Think about who commissioned it and for what purpose. What statement were they trying to make by owning such a lavish piece? Editor: I guess the excess shows more than just artistry but a consumer culture of wealth and power. Was silver common? Did the client specifically seek this artist out for such silver work? Curator: Exactly! Silver, while not as rare as gold, was still a valuable commodity. Würth's workshop likely had a reputation for producing high-quality pieces for an aristocratic clientele. It underscores the relationship between artistic production and social hierarchies of the time. The wine cooler isn't just Rococo; it is about economic systems and aspirations to societal standing, shown via detailed materials. Editor: It’s a little daunting how much I wasn't considering about material history before. Now, when I look, I am wondering where and how the material came to be! Curator: Seeing the artwork for more than face value helps expand it!