Beaker 1738 - 1750

This silver beaker was crafted by Johann Jakob Bruglocher II, an artist active in the first half of the 18th century. Its shimmering surface invites a close look at its pure form, a cylinder sitting on a slightly fluted base. The beaker is divided horizontally into distinct registers. The upper and lower sections display delicate, symmetrical patterns reminiscent of lace, achieved through meticulous engraving. The smooth, polished bands at the top and bottom provide a clean contrast, framing the ornate central frieze. This division plays with ideas of hierarchy and order, common in baroque art. The patterns are not merely decorative; they engage with broader notions of symmetry and balance, reflecting an era deeply influenced by rationalism. The beaker, in its elegant simplicity, offers an insight into the cultural values of its time, reminding us that even functional objects can embody complex ideas.