Cruet

Unknown

1518 · Silver, silver-gilt · Medieval Art

This pair of silver vessels closely resembles the handled silver flagons perched on the shelf in the upper right corner of the nearby painting. Such objects were created for use on the table, where they reflected the high status of their owners. This pair was used in church services. Their diminutive scale reflects the small quantity of wine used in the Mass prior to the Reformation. For the liturgy, such objects were always made in pairs (for wine and water). Since these two liquids were combined in the chalice, cruets were often distinguished by the letters V (vinum) and A (aqua) engraved on the lid.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1518

Medium

Silver, silver-gilt

Culture

German

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931