Fork, Knife, and Spoon
c. 1600
Medium
Bloodstone (Heliotrope), silver, gilding, and steel
Dimensions
Knife: H.: 24 cm (9 7/16 in.); Fork: H.: 18 cm (7 1/8 in.); Spoon: H.: 19 cm (7 1/2 in.)
Classification
cutlery
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
242046
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This rare complete set of cutlery consists of a fork, knife, and spoon that are all finely worked with precious materials. The delicate scrolling silver-gilt mounts and finials with diminutive helmeted heads of the goddess Minerva date these utensils to around 1600, which was when personal cutlery sets became increasingly popular in court culture. For the banqueting elite of German courts, having a personal cutlery set was a requisite sign of civility. As objects they were equally prized for use...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...