Standing cup with cover 1737

Editor: Here we have a standing cup with cover made of silver, created in 1737 by Basil Nikiforoff. It's currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It strikes me as incredibly ornate; a clear display of wealth and status. What can you tell us about the cup? Curator: This isn’t just an object; it’s a statement. Consider the baroque style; the incredible detail of the filigree and the portraits worked into the piece. It's less about simple function, and more about publicly broadcasting the owner's prestige and political leanings. Who do you think might have commissioned such a piece? Editor: A member of the aristocracy, or maybe someone connected to the court? Curator: Precisely. Silverware like this cup played a crucial role in courtly rituals. Presentation was everything. Serving drinks from such a cup at the right banquet declared your alignment. Did you notice the crown topping the cup? Editor: I did. Is it more symbolic than just an element of decoration? Curator: Absolutely. Consider how the crown and portraits functioned as propaganda. What story do you think they aimed to communicate? The crown legitimized power, while portraits displayed affiliation, reinforcing their perceived divine right and social dominance within courtly social structures. It all coalesces in an object promoting power and status. Editor: So it’s not just a beautiful cup; it’s a piece of political history you can hold in your hand. I'll never see silverware the same way. Curator: And hopefully appreciate that objects are as valuable for their message as their monetary value.