Blaasbalg 1760

This is Arnoldus van Geffen’s "Blaasbalg," created sometime during his life between 1700 and 1769. It is rendered in silver. During this period in Europe, silver wasn't merely a material; it was a symbol of status and wealth. Consider how van Geffen, through his choice of material, elevates a common, functional object to the realm of the artistic. The bellows, traditionally used to stoke flames, can be seen as a metaphor for change and transformation. The spiral design might evoke the cyclical nature of life, the spiraling of time, or perhaps even the alchemical pursuit of transformation. The emotional resonance of this piece lies in its quiet commentary on domestic life, imbued with the subtle power dynamics of the era. The bellows, often operated by those in service, becomes a charged object when rendered in precious metal. "Blaasbalg" is an invitation to consider the narratives embedded in everyday objects, reflecting both the societal values and the intimate lives of those who lived with them.