Cake basket 1745 - 1746

This cake basket was crafted by Paul de Lamerie, a silversmith of Huguenot descent, during a time when immigrant artisans significantly shaped the landscape of luxury goods in London. De Lamerie's exquisite silverwork catered to the tastes of a wealthy elite, reflecting their aspirations for refinement. The basket, with its elaborate ornamentation and classical motifs, embodies the opulent aesthetic of the period. Yet, it also speaks to the complex social dynamics of 18th-century England, where displays of wealth were intertwined with issues of class and cultural identity. Consider the hands that would have presented, received, and consumed the delicacies it once held. The basket serves as a reminder of the intricate relationships between labor, consumption, and social status. The basket is more than just a beautiful object; it’s a lens through which we can examine the values and contradictions of a society in pursuit of elegance.