Main Part of a Cup, from Fysirungen Zum Verzeichnen Für Die Goldtschmidt, Nuremberg, 1599 1599

This is an engraving by Johann Sibmacher, made in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1599. It's a design for the main part of a cup, intended as a pattern for goldsmiths. The image speaks volumes about the social and economic structures of the time. Nuremberg was a center for craftsmanship and trade, and the guilds played a crucial role in regulating production and maintaining standards. Sibmacher’s design catered to this market, offering a blend of intricate ornamentation and classical motifs that would appeal to wealthy patrons. The cherubs, foliage, and grotesque masks are visual cues, signifying luxury and sophistication. As art historians, we can delve into guild records, pattern books, and inventories to understand the role of these designs in shaping material culture. By analyzing the visual language of the image and researching its historical context, we gain insights into the values and aspirations of early modern society. The meaning of this artwork is deeply rooted in its social and institutional setting.