Tankard 1680 - 1681

Editor: Here we have a silver tankard, dating back to 1680 or 1681. Its solid presence is quite striking. How do you approach a piece like this? Curator: From a materialist perspective, the allure of this tankard lies in understanding silver not just as a precious metal, but as a commodity with a history of extraction, trade, and labour. Consider the Baroque style—its exuberance often masks the exploitative conditions of its creation. Who mined the silver? Who crafted it, and under what conditions? Editor: So, it's not just about aesthetics, but about the socio-economic context of its production? Curator: Precisely. We can think about the social hierarchy that this object served and represented. A tankard like this was probably a status symbol indicating someone could afford this luxury. Think about how much labor it took to produce, to maintain. What level of consumption did the original owner enjoy? Editor: It definitely adds a layer of complexity. Seeing it purely as 'decorative art' feels incomplete. What did drinking vessels of less-wealthy people look like during the same time period? How did their choice of materials serve its function in a better way? Curator: Absolutely. What's also intriguing is the choice of material itself. Silver's resistance to tarnishing makes it durable and luxurious, requiring specialized knowledge and skill. Does the maker intend for us to examine wealth as protection? And if so, from what? What purpose would a wealthy owner be reminded of? Editor: This tankard now becomes less about pure decoration, and more about a reflection on 17th-century consumption and labor practices. Fascinating! Curator: Exactly. By understanding the processes, materials, and labour invested, we unlock deeper meanings beyond surface aesthetics.