Standing cup 1639 - 1640

This standing cup was made in London, likely between 1619 and 1640, by I.I. from silver. Notice the cup's overall symmetry and how its form is structured around distinct sections. The base flares out, supporting a bulbous stem that leads to the cup, creating a balanced yet visually engaging composition. The reflective surface of the silver enhances the play of light, subtly altering our perception of its shape. Engraved inscriptions and heraldic symbols encircle the upper portion, adding a layer of textual and symbolic meaning to the object. The design is not merely decorative; it reflects the socio-economic structures of its time. Heraldic symbols were visual markers of identity and status. Textual inscriptions, functioning as linguistic signs, served to commemorate events or affiliations. Consider how the interplay between form and symbol destabilizes the cup's function as a mere drinking vessel. It transforms it into a complex artifact embodying social and political meanings. This object invites us to consider how visual and textual elements converge to create a rich cultural narrative.