Ovale onderschotel van zilver voor sauskom 1764

This is an oval silver dish for a sauceboat by Valentijn Caspar Bömcke, who was active in the 18th century. Silverware like this wasn't just about dining; it was a powerful statement of wealth and status. In the 1700s, the rise of global trade meant new kinds of food and dining rituals were becoming popular among the elite. This dish reflects the era's emphasis on elaborate dining as a performance of social standing. For the wealthy families who owned such pieces, every meal was an opportunity to showcase their refined tastes. Think about the hands that polished it, the servants who presented it, and the social hierarchies it upheld. It is a reminder that even everyday objects can tell us a lot about who had power, who didn't, and how they interacted.