Covered Flagon with Spout 1750 - 1800

Andreas Wirz created this covered flagon with spout, but we have no date for when it was made, nor for the artist's birth or death dates. As an object of material culture, this flagon speaks to the social rituals of dining and drinking. The design of this flagon reflects both functional needs and aesthetic preferences. Its form—tall and cylindrical with a hinged lid and spout—suggests it was intended for pouring liquids in a formal setting. The material, pewter, indicates a certain level of affluence, as it was more expensive than earthenware. We don't know much about its specific cultural origins. Looking closely, we can see subtle signs of wear, perhaps suggesting use in a tavern or a noble household. By studying objects like this, and researching similar pieces in museum collections, we can begin to piece together a better understanding of the social practices in which it was used.