Watch-Shaped Vinaigrette
1831/32
Medium
Silver and silver gilt
Dimensions
Diam.: 2.5 cm (1 in.)
Classification
container for personal use
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
234169
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department of Applied Arts of Europe this exquisite *Watch-Shaped Vina* from 1831/32 the refined craftsmanship of early 19th-century personal accessories. Measuring just 2.5 cm in diameter, its diminutive, timepiece-inspired form disguises a practical yet luxurious purpose: a portable container for aromatic vinegar or smelling salts, essential for combating urban odors or fainting spells in an era before modern hygiene. Crafted from silver and silver gilt, piece highlights the era's mastery of metalworking techniques. The gilding—applying a thin layer...
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...