Flagon 1550 - 1575

This flagon was crafted by Ulrich Möringer, a master goldsmith, likely in the early to mid-16th century. The work invites us to reflect on the play of light on its form. Notice the way the curves catch the light, creating a fluid sense of movement across the surface. The flagon’s materiality suggests its use in rituals of display and consumption during the Renaissance. The vessel's very structure speaks to broader cultural values. The incised decoration—an ‘M’ initial—functions as a signifier, likely of the maker. This transforms the object into a form of language, where each detail communicates ideas about identity, status, and artistry. Consider how the artist's choice of form—the smooth, unbroken curvature of the flagon—serves not merely a functional role but also an aesthetic one. The flagon represents an enduring cultural artifact, one that continues to generate discussion and debate about the nature of craft.