Goblet 1848

This silver goblet was crafted by James M. Bennett, and is now held at the Art Institute of Chicago. The eye is immediately drawn to the goblet's elegant simplicity. Its smooth, reflective surface catches and plays with light, creating a dance of highlights and shadows that accentuate its form. The goblet is structured around basic geometric shapes: a circular base, a slender cylindrical stem, and a hemispherical bowl. Notice how Bennett employs vertical lines and subtle floral motifs on the stem to lead the eye upwards, creating a sense of height and sophistication. The goblet's form speaks to a balance between functionality and aesthetic refinement. The choice of silver as a medium is particularly interesting, given its association with purity and value. The goblet's design reflects a desire to elevate the everyday object into a symbol of status, taste and cultural refinement. Consider how such an object can represent shifts in social values and artistic movements. In its material and construction, this goblet acts as a marker of its time, inviting us to ponder the cultural codes embedded within its polished surface.