Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Silver, Room 69, The Whiteley Galleries

Standing Cup

ca. 1615-ca. 1620 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This cup was probably made for domestic use as a wine goblet, as well as being a decorative addition to a sideboard display. It was made by the goldsmith Hieronymus Bang, who moved from northern Germany to Nuremberg and became a master goldmsith in 1553. Nuremberg and Augsburg were the main centres of goldsmithing in the 16th and 17th centuries. They attracted craftsmen from all over Europe, partly because of their reputation for tolerance during a period of religious warfare and upheaval. Bang also executed and published designs for silver objects and ornament that were circulated throughout Europe.

Under the base of this cup is a plate engraved with the heraldic device and initials of an owner. The decoration around the upper part of the cup is etched with acid, a technique that enabled a freer and more spontaneous effect than engraving.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silver, parcel-gilt and engraved
Brief description
Silver, Continental
Physical description
Standing cup, silver-gilt, with 6 vertical lobes, on circular lobed foot, the stem in the form of a lobed urn with 3 S-scroll supports, the body of the cup engraved with foliage and eagles.
Dimensions
  • Height: 20.00cm
  • Bowl length: 11.50cm
  • Width: 11.00cm
  • Foot width: 8.90cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • Silver plaque attached to underside of foot with engraved heraldic device and letters MK
  • On base and below lip: maker's mark HB of Hieronymus Bang (born 1553, master 1588, died 1630) [Rosenberg III 4057]; Nuremberg town mark for around 1610.
Gallery label
Silver Gallery: This cup probably never had a cover and was probably made for ordinary use as a wine goblet as well as for display. Under the base is a plate engraved with a coat of arms, a rampant lion holding a sword, and initials MK for the original owner. The decoration around the upper part of the cup is etched with acid, a technique that enabled a freer and more spontaneous effect than engraving. Hieronymus Bang, the maker, was born in Osnabrück in north Germany.(26/11/2002)
Credit line
Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA
Object history
Dr WL Hildburgh FSA Gift


Bang was born in Osnabruck, but moved to Nuremberg and became a master in 1553. Nuremberg and Augsburg were the main centres of goldsmithing in the 17th century and attracted craftsmen from all over Europe, partly because of their tradition of religious tolerance. Bang also executed and published designs for silver.
Summary
This cup was probably made for domestic use as a wine goblet, as well as being a decorative addition to a sideboard display. It was made by the goldsmith Hieronymus Bang, who moved from northern Germany to Nuremberg and became a master goldmsith in 1553. Nuremberg and Augsburg were the main centres of goldsmithing in the 16th and 17th centuries. They attracted craftsmen from all over Europe, partly because of their reputation for tolerance during a period of religious warfare and upheaval. Bang also executed and published designs for silver objects and ornament that were circulated throughout Europe.

Under the base of this cup is a plate engraved with the heraldic device and initials of an owner. The decoration around the upper part of the cup is etched with acid, a technique that enabled a freer and more spontaneous effect than engraving.
Collection
Accession number
M.64-1953

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Record createdFebruary 9, 2004
Record URL
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