Tankard 1585 - 1586

Editor: Here we have a "Tankard," crafted from silver and metal by John Harryson between 1585 and 1586. Its current home is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. What immediately grabs me is the meticulous detail. How would you analyze the composition of this piece? Curator: The Tankard, viewed through a Formalist lens, commands attention through its rigorous structure. Note how the horizontal bands segment the form, creating a rhythmic articulation of space. These divisions aren't merely decorative; they serve to emphasize the tankard's verticality. Editor: I see that now, how the bands create rhythm and lead the eye upward. Curator: Observe, too, the contrast between the smooth, polished surfaces and the areas densely engraved with intricate patterns. Do you perceive how this juxtaposition impacts the overall aesthetic? Editor: It definitely gives it texture and depth! The floral motifs on the lid are so different from the geometric designs on the body. Curator: Precisely. These varied textures engage the eye, drawing attention to the craftsman's skill. The play of light on the metal further enhances the three-dimensionality. Consider, too, the handle's elegant curve, how it provides both functional and aesthetic balance to the overall design. The lines flow gracefully and it creates a striking asymmetry that really completes the form. What is your opinion of it? Editor: It's much more than just something to hold, and your emphasis on its individual elements makes the work's complexity clearer to me now. Thanks. Curator: The structure really helps focus how we should view it. Thank you for that great question.