Cup with scenes from the New Testament (one of a pair)

Franz Fischer

early 17th century · Silver gilt · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Vessels with religious imagery were treasured in the households of Protestant patricians, where they reinforced communal identity during dining and drinking rituals. This cup—numbered 7 to indicate that it was once part of a larger set—is ornamented with scenes from the New Testament, including the parable of the Sower and Herodias' daughter with head of St. John the Baptist on a charger.

Artist

Franz Fischer

Date

early 17th century

Medium

Silver gilt

Culture

German, Nuremberg

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917