Mug 1695 - 1705

This is a mug made by Johann Ludwig Faber, and it's currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The eye is immediately drawn to the bold black enamel that contrasts against the white tin-glazed earthenware. The cylindrical form of the mug serves as a canvas for Faber’s detailed imagery. The composition features a seated warrior, complete with spear and shield, backed by military paraphernalia. The images aren't merely decorative; they function as symbols, alluding to power, protection, and perhaps even the virtues of military might. Consider the shield emblazoned with a grotesque mask. It is a classic symbol of defense, but here it also hints at a deeper psychological dimension—the power of fear and intimidation. Faber’s rendering challenges conventional notions of beauty and heroism. This mug becomes not just a drinking vessel but a complex signifier of cultural values.