Square salver 1695 - 1700

This square salver was crafted in the late 17th or early 18th century by Paul Solanier, likely in France, from solid silver. Consider the material itself: silver's cool luster and malleability allowed for the creation of this elaborate design. Look closely, and you'll see it is decorated with engraving and embossing. These processes speak to a workshop setting with specialized skills, including chasing to create relief patterns, and engraving to add intricate details like the figurative cameos and foliate scrolls. The labor that went into this piece tells us that it was made for the upper class, and signals the wealth and status of its owner. The salver represents far more than mere function; it is a statement of luxury and taste. The creation of this artwork embodies the intersection of artistry, craft, and social context. It also challenges traditional hierarchies between decorative and fine arts, prompting us to appreciate the immense skill and cultural significance embedded in such objects.