Spoon with putto handle

Art Historical Context

This exquisite *Spoon with putto*, crafted in Germany during the late 17 to early 18th, exemplifies the opulent decorative arts of the Baroque era. Measuring just 7¼ inches (18.4 cm) long, it combines silver gilt—a luxurious technique where silver is coated with thin layer of gold for a radiant sheen—with finely carved ivory for the. The charming putto, a chubby, winged cherub figure symbolizing innocence and playfulness, perches playfully at the handle's end, a motif drawn from classical mythology and widely popular in European sculpture and metalwork of the period. In the context of German craftsmanship, such spoons were prestige items for affluent households, blending functionality with artistic flair. The silver gilt not only enhanced durability and shine but also evoked the grandeur of courtly life, while the ivory added a tactile, organic contrast prized for its smoothness. As part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection—gifted by Mrs. Giles Whiting in 1962—this piece highlights the technical mastery of anonymous artisans who elevated everyday objects into miniature masterpieces. Visitors will appreciate how the putto's lively pose captures the era's delight in whimsy amid ornate excess, offering a glimpse into the refined tastes of Baroque Germany.