Standing cup 1665 - 1675

Georgius May I created this Standing Cup, crafted from silver, its precise date unknown. The eye is immediately drawn to the cup’s elaborate form. Note how the fluid lines of the dolphin elegantly support the vessel above. This sinuous, almost baroque sensibility is grounded by the intricate, symmetrical patterns adorning the base and bowl, creating a balance between organic movement and structured design. The cup, more than a simple vessel, is a statement of status, its very structure suggesting a hierarchy. The base, stable and ornate, gives way to the dynamic dolphin, which in turn supports the lavishly decorated bowl. The interplay of texture is also remarkable. The smooth, polished surfaces contrast with the granulated details, inviting a tactile as well as visual experience. Reflecting a fascination with natural forms rendered in precious materials, the cup destabilizes the boundary between art and nature. It reminds us that objects carry complex cultural codes, reflecting both the aesthetic values and social structures of their time.