Silver Tureen (a), lid (b) [pair with 1975.1.2560a-c]

Art Historical Context

This elegant silver tureen, crafted in 1749 by Parisian silversmith Etienne-Jacques Marcq, exemplifies the refined luxury of 18th-century French metalwork. Standing 26.3 centimeters tall with a broad, graceful form, the vessel was cast in several sections and carefully soldered together—a technique that allowed artisans to achieve both strength and intricate detailing. Its surface features prominent fish motifs alongside a coat of arms, suggesting it was commissioned for a noble household where such personalized silver served as both functional dining ware and a display of status. As part of the Robert Lehman Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this piece reflects the sophisticated dining culture of Paris during the reign of Louis XV. Silver tureens like this one often appeared in elaborate multi-course meals, where their gleaming surfaces and heraldic decoration underscored the host’s wealth and lineage. The pairing with a companion piece further indicates they were designed as a matched set for formal entertaining. Marcq’s work highlights the high standards of French silversmithing guilds, where technical precision met artistic elegance. Today, the tureen offers visitors a tangible connection to the opulent world of Enlightenment-era France, where everyday objects became statements of identity and artistry.