Wine taster 1775 - 1785

This silver wine taster was crafted by Mathieu-Vincent Delarbre. A simple yet profound object, it invites us to consider the enduring symbolism associated with wine, as indicated by the inscription “A. Au Paradis”. The notion of paradise linked to wine is deeply rooted in cultural history. From the ancient Greeks, with Dionysus, to Christianity, where wine symbolizes the blood of Christ, the act of drinking has always been linked to divine experience. Note how the reference to paradise echoes ancient beliefs in wine as a gift from the gods, a substance that could transport humans to a state of bliss. Consider the 'kalyx', or chalice in Ancient Greece, during the symposiums. It would be filled, emptied, and refilled with wine, in continuous circling amongst guests. It represents the same cyclical progression and shared ritual implied in Delarbre's wine taster, a vessel meant to pass from hand to hand, connecting individuals through a communal experience. A powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This simple object whispers of the non-linear, cyclical journey of symbols.