Tazza (footed drinking cup) 1607

This Tazza, or footed drinking cup, was crafted in the late 16th or early 17th century by Paulus Willemsz. van Vianen, primarily from silver. The material is paramount here. The silver would have been mined, smelted, and refined, each process involving intensive labor. Van Vianen then transformed this raw material through highly skilled techniques. Notice the fine details of the figures and foliage, achieved by chasing and repoussé – hammering the silver from both sides to create a relief. The weight of the material speaks to its preciousness. The cup is not just a functional object; it’s a display of wealth and status. The elaborate decoration signals the patron’s affluence, while the silversmith’s virtuosity elevates the object beyond mere utility. This piece blurs the lines between craft and fine art, demonstrating how skilled making can imbue an object with cultural and social significance. Ultimately, understanding the material and the making reveals the full story of this drinking cup.