Wine taster 1780 - 1790

This small, silver "Wine taster" was created by the French silversmith, A.L., between 1780-1790. The bowl is decorated with a simple design of grape vines and leaves along with a series of dots. An inscription at the base reads "J.F. Greppo, de Charnay," suggesting the taster was made for a specific individual. The small size and simple design of the taster speaks to the refinement of late 18th-century French silver, which was valued for its elegance and craftsmanship. This piece is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection in New York City.