Sideboard dish 1665 - 1669

This Sideboard dish was created by Johann Philipp I Stenglin, a member of a family of silversmiths, most likely in Augsburg, Germany during the late 17th century. Augsburg was a center for the production of luxury goods during this period, and Stenglin's work catered to the tastes of wealthy patrons. Crafted from hammered and embossed silver, the dish depicts Neptune and Amphitrite, figures from classical mythology. The choice of subject matter reflects the influence of the Renaissance and a broader fascination with classical antiquity, very fashionable at the time. However, consider how the glorification of mythological subjects served the interests of the elite, reinforcing their social status and cultural capital. By appropriating classical imagery, they sought to legitimize their power. The dish, then, becomes an object that is laden with socio-political meaning. It speaks to the power dynamics of the time, reflecting the intersection of wealth, class, and cultural authority. The dish offers a glimpse into the complex interplay between art, power, and identity in 17th-century Europe.