Zilveren servies in ridderzaal van Berliner Stadtschloss before 1717

This print by Martin Engelbrecht depicts a silver service in the Knight's Hall of the Berlin City Palace. It’s rendered with the precision of an engraver’s tool, capturing the opulence of the silver, likely raised, chased, and polished to a dazzling sheen. Beyond aesthetics, consider the social implications embedded in the material. Silver, a precious metal, speaks of wealth and power, reflecting the opulence of the royal court. Each piece represents countless hours of labor, from the extraction of the ore to the skilled craftsmanship required to shape it into elaborate forms. Engelbrecht's print invites us to consider the intricate relationship between art, labor, and social status in the 18th century. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and recognize the value in the artistry and the hands that brought it to life.