Tankard 1679 - 1680

Editor: Here we have a tankard of unknown date, made by an artist with the maker's mark DG and fleur-de-lis. It looks pretty heavy, being solid silver and of course was for drinking. What historical narratives are woven into an object like this? Curator: Well, consider the tankard's role in social rituals. Who had access to such an object? Silver signifies wealth, power, and, importantly, exclusion. It speaks to a society stratified by class, where even leisure activities were marked by inequality. How does knowing that affect your perception? Editor: It shifts my perspective completely. It's not just a pretty object, but a symbol of social division. Curator: Exactly! It prompts us to question the power dynamics embedded in seemingly simple objects, doesn't it? Editor: Definitely. I'll never look at silverware the same way again.