Dram Cup 1690 - 1710

Editor: Here we have a 'Dram Cup', crafted between 1690 and 1710 by Benjamin Wynkoop. It's made of silver, and is part of the decorative arts collection at the Metropolitan Museum. It has these elaborate twisted handles, and what looks like a little inscription. The simplicity is nice but…I'm a little unsure about how functional it could actually be? What do you see when you look at this object? Curator: Ah, function! I always wonder, does something HAVE to be practical to be profound? This little cup, to me, whispers secrets of convivial gatherings. Silver isn't just a material; it’s history solidified. Each curve reflects light and tells stories of wealth, artistry, and maybe even a touch of whimsy, don’t you think? Wynkoop probably didn’t expect it to sit silently in a museum vitrine, right? Editor: Whimsy? Maybe! The Baroque period *was* known for some intense flourishes. But, how does that sense of wealth change how we read it today? I wonder if the inscription says who it originally belonged to... Curator: It certainly does, and most likely was meant to honor somebody in some way. To be honest, the best pieces almost always act like little time portals, right? But don’t forget, they can be kind of tricky. Sometimes we see our values more than the artist's. What do you think? Is this piece simple or complex in the grand scheme? Editor: Well, I originally thought simple, but now I see that an everyday object is much more intricate once you understand it, and know the whole story behind it. Thanks! Curator: Exactly! Every artwork’s got a history to tell… or maybe it just lets *us* tell a story about ourselves? Food for thought... or, should I say, *drink* for thought?