Box with Episodes from the Life of the Spinola Family 1636

This box depicting episodes from the life of the Spinola family, was made by Mattheus Melijn, most likely in the first half of the 17th century. It's crafted from solid silver, an incredibly precious material. Look closely, and you’ll see the amount of labor involved. The artist has meticulously hammered and chased the silver to create a detailed relief. Notice the figures, the horses, and the architecture in the background. These weren’t simply cast, but painstakingly worked by hand. The choice of silver isn’t just about luxury, but about lasting value and power. Owning something like this was a clear statement of wealth and status. Silver, then as now, had a direct relationship to global trade, colonial exploitation, and the economics of power. The box becomes more than just a decorative object; it is a testament to the intersection of artistry, labor, and economic forces that shaped the world we inhabit today. It reminds us to consider the hidden stories embedded within the material culture of the past.