Chafing Dish 1717 - 1720

This Chafing Dish, currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, was crafted from silver by John Coney around the turn of the 18th century. The dish immediately strikes the eye with its lustrous sheen, an effect achieved through meticulous polishing and craftsmanship. Note how Coney plays with the juxtaposition of solid forms and openwork patterns. The body of the dish is framed by a lattice of repeating geometric shapes. This creates a visual tension, playing with the boundaries of containment and exposure. Observe the supporting legs, which are detailed with claw-and-ball feet adding a touch of naturalism which contrasts with the overall geometric design of the piece. This interplay of contrasting elements reflects a broader cultural interest in balancing classical order with more dynamic baroque motifs. The dish is not merely functional, but also a carefully constructed object that invites contemplation about its form and the cultural values it represents.