Wine cup 1660

This wine cup was created by John Hull, a silversmith in 17th century New England. It's made of silver, hammered and shaped with incredible skill. The cup is a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. You can see the subtle hammer marks across its surface. Silver was a precious commodity, so this isn't just a functional object; it's a display of wealth and status. Skilled silversmiths like Hull were highly valued members of their communities. They transformed raw material into objects of beauty and utility. Consider the labor involved in extracting the silver from the earth, refining it, and then shaping it into this elegant form. The cup represents not only Hull’s expertise but also the broader economic and social systems of the time. By focusing on the material and making of this object, we gain a richer understanding of its historical significance, and the blurred boundaries between craft and fine art.