Design for a Bucket 1496 - 1583

Erasmus Hornick rendered this design for a bucket in ink on paper sometime in the 16th century. While seemingly straightforward, the bucket's intended material dictates its aesthetic. The design suggests it would have been constructed in precious metal, like silver or gold. The bucket, therefore, speaks to the conspicuous consumption of the elite, who reveled in displaying wealth through elaborate objects. Consider the spiraling, shell-like forms and the lion's head, each precisely drawn to catch light and reflect a sense of opulence. These would have required expert goldsmithing, with individual components likely cast, chased, and assembled with care. The labor involved was extensive, meant to underscore the bucket’s value, far beyond its practical purpose. Hornick's design prompts us to think about the relationship between labor, material, and status. It is not merely a drawing, but a window into the culture of production, class, and luxury in the Renaissance.