BK-15720-B

About this artwork

jaarletter, onderzijde voet, afgeslagen (vals): ‘V’

Art Historical Context

This elegant silver vessel, catalogued as BK-15720-B, was crafted by silversmith Jacob Feeterse between roughly 1900 and 1923. Standing 19.3 centimetres tall and weighing just over half a kilogram, the object’s balanced proportions and substantial feel suggest it was intended as a refined table piece or presentation item. Its smooth, reflective surface highlights the enduring appeal of silver as a medium that combines practicality with quiet luxury. A small detail on the underside of the foot—an impressed year letter “V”—adds an intriguing layer to the work. Although the mark is noted as false, it reflects the long-standing European tradition of hallmarking precious metals to certify quality and date of production. Such marks helped buyers trust the material’s purity, even if, in this case, the stamp appears to have been added later. Feeterse’s work captures the transitional spirit of early twentieth-century metalwork, when artisans continued historic techniques while responding to changing tastes. The piece invites viewers to consider both the craftsmanship of silver and the stories told by its marks, genuine or otherwise.