Tankard
1616 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
'Cabinets of curiosities' and buffet displays reflected the prevailing European taste for natural and man-made wonders. Materials such as serpentine marble and coconut shell were enhanced with silver or silver-gilt mounts for display. Objects within the 'cabinet of curiosities' were primarily objects of delight rather than of use, although they were often made in functional forms. By 1600, every prince aspired to such a collection. This concentration of wealth and artistry was intended to express the ancient lineage, power and connoisseurship of the patron's family.
Little is known about the production and marketing of mounted vessels made from exotic natural materials, although it can be assumed that certain goldsmiths specialised in the field. Serpentine marble was mined in Northern Germany, so it is possible that this tankard was mounted there. Serpentine was believed to have miraculous powers to protect against poison.
Little is known about the production and marketing of mounted vessels made from exotic natural materials, although it can be assumed that certain goldsmiths specialised in the field. Serpentine marble was mined in Northern Germany, so it is possible that this tankard was mounted there. Serpentine was believed to have miraculous powers to protect against poison.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Serpentine marble, silver gilt mounts |
| Brief description | Serpentine marble tankard with silver gilt mounts, Germany, 1616 |
| Physical description | Domed cover embossed with foliage surmounted by a lion rampant supporting a shield engraved with a merchant's mark. The lip is engraved with floral scrolls, the body bound by an inscribed strip. The tankard has a curved handle with beaded ornament and spreading gadrooned foot. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | CHRISTOPHORVS. FORNADOR. HOFRICHTER. DES.W. GOTS. HAVS. SEITEN STETEN. SPES. NON. CONFVNDIT. 1616 (Inscription in German and Latin)
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| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Given by H. Eric Miller through the National Art Collections Fund |
| Object history | Gift through the NACF from H Eric Miller Historical significance: Little is known about the production and marketing of mounted vessels made from exotic natural materials, although it can be assumed that certain goldsmiths specialised in the field. The widespread passion for collecting and mounting marvels of nature and craftsmanship would have provided goldsmiths with a steady source of patronage from the 15th century onwards. Serpentine marble was mined in Northern Germany, so it is possible that this tankard was mounted there. Serpentine was believed to have miraculous powers to protect against poison. |
| Historical context | The contents of late medieval and 16th century cabinets of curiosities and buffet displays reflected the prevailing European taste for natural and man-made wonders enhanced with silver or silver-gilt mounts. By 1600, every prince aspired to such a collection. This concentration of wealth and artistry was intended to express the ancient lineage, power and connoisseurship of the patron's family. Objects within the 'cabinet of curiosities' were primarily objects of delight rather than of use, although they were often made in functional forms. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | 'Cabinets of curiosities' and buffet displays reflected the prevailing European taste for natural and man-made wonders. Materials such as serpentine marble and coconut shell were enhanced with silver or silver-gilt mounts for display. Objects within the 'cabinet of curiosities' were primarily objects of delight rather than of use, although they were often made in functional forms. By 1600, every prince aspired to such a collection. This concentration of wealth and artistry was intended to express the ancient lineage, power and connoisseurship of the patron's family. Little is known about the production and marketing of mounted vessels made from exotic natural materials, although it can be assumed that certain goldsmiths specialised in the field. Serpentine marble was mined in Northern Germany, so it is possible that this tankard was mounted there. Serpentine was believed to have miraculous powers to protect against poison. |
| Bibliographic reference | Patterson, Angus, Fashion and Armour in Renaissance Europe: Proud Lookes and Brave Attire, V&A Publishing, London, 2009, ISBN 9781851775811, p. 102, ill. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.975-1928 |
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| Record created | August 2, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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