Ewer 1744 - 1746

This ewer was created by Jean Tugot, a master silversmith, during a period when French decorative arts were synonymous with luxury and power. Crafted from solid silver, its elegant form speaks to the opulence of the French court and aristocracy, but it also hints at the complex social dynamics of the time. Consider the context in which such an object would have been used. Who would have had access to it, and what kind of labor was required to produce and maintain its pristine condition? Silver, of course, possesses a color that intimately reflects race, class, and gender, and underscores how access to luxury items like this ewer was deeply interwoven with social status. By engaging with this object, we can reflect on how it continues to shape our understanding of beauty, class, and the legacy of French craftsmanship.