Fragment of a tankard (schnelle) with Justice, Faith and Patience c. 1566s

This is a fragment of a tankard, or schnelle, made by Anno Knütgen in Germany during the late 16th century. It's made of stoneware and decorated with reliefs of Justice, Faith, and Patience. Now, let's consider the cultural context. The tankard was made in the midst of the Reformation, a period of religious and political upheaval in Europe. The figures of Justice, Faith, and Patience would have been understood as virtues that were essential for maintaining social order. But who was this message for? The use of stoneware suggests the tankard was intended for the rising merchant classes, eager to display their wealth and taste for refinement. In this light, the tankard functioned as a tool to negotiate social standing. Understanding this object fully requires us to consult historical sources, such as guild records and period sermons. By doing so, we can better understand the tankard as a social object, reflecting the values and aspirations of its time.