BK-16559

About this artwork

inscriptie, onderzijde bodem, gegraveerd: ‘IvH’

Art Historical Context

Crafted in 1772 by silversmith Johannes Horstman, this compact silver object measures just 7.4 cm high and weighs 184 grams, suggesting it served as a refined tableware item or personal accessory. Its modest yet elegant proportions reflect the refined tastes of the late eighteenth century, when silver objects combined practicality with displays of status among European households. Horstman’s work exemplifies the meticulous metalworking traditions of the period, where artisans transformed precious metal into durable, beautifully proportioned forms. A notable detail is the engraved inscription “IvH” on the underside of the base. Such personalized markings were common on silver pieces, often indicating ownership or commemorating a gift. This simple engraving adds a layer of human connection, transforming the object from mere craftsmanship into a witness of individual lives in 1772. Silver’s cultural importance during this era lay in its dual role as currency and art. Pieces like this one highlight how everyday luxury items carried both economic value and artistic merit, preserved today for their insight into eighteenth-century material culture.