Spoon 1830 - 1865

This silver spoon, a creation of A.D. Boulenger likely made sometime in the 19th century, presents a study in contrasts. The bowl is a smooth, reflective oval that transitions into an elaborately ornamented handle. The handle itself fractures into distinct segments: an intricate filigree at the end, a slender, textured shaft, and a bulbous node connecting it to the spoon’s bowl. This articulation isn't just decorative. It's a deliberate play with form, where each segment stakes a claim on visual attention. The spoon's design, caught between utilitarian function and decorative ambition, highlights an intersection of social codes. It is at once an eating implement, a signifier of wealth, and an aesthetic object. Consider, then, the semiotic function of such an object. Each curve, twist, and flourish signals towards an understanding of social status and cultural values. A spoon, elevated to the level of art, transcends its original purpose.