Wine taster 1755 - 1765

This is a silver wine taster made by E.G.D., a practical object elevated by craftsmanship into the realm of art. Though seemingly simple, it embodies the intricate social rituals and class distinctions surrounding wine consumption. Wine tasting, historically a domain of the wealthy, was deeply entangled with displays of status and refinement. This object, made from precious metal, is indicative of the social rituals of its time. The wine taster speaks to the historical exclusion and labor practices inherent in the production and enjoyment of wine. The engraving on the bowl might give us some insight into the owner, their identity, and their relationship to the cultural traditions of wine. By exploring the history and identity of those who commissioned and used such objects, we gain a deeper understanding of the intersectional dynamics of power, taste, and access. Reflect on the sensory experience of wine tasting itself—the swirling, the sniffing, the savoring—and consider how this small bowl might serve as a vessel for larger conversations about pleasure, privilege, and the stories we choose to tell.