Collection cup

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection, this delicate *Collection Cup* by Guillaume Le Roy exemplifies the refined silversmithing of early 18th-century France. Crafted around 1702–4 from gleaming silver, the cup measures a modest 2 1/8 × 6 inches, perfect for handheld use. Produced in Morlaix under the auspices of the Rennes Mint—a key hub for Brittany's precious metalwork—it reflects the era's blend of functionality and artistry during the late reign of Louis XIV. Le Roy, a skilled French artisan, contributed to the tradition of ecclesiastical and communal silver objects. "Collection cups" like this were essential in churches and public spaces for gathering alms or offerings, their portable size and durable medium ensuring practicality amid daily rituals. The silver's purity and provincial mint mark highlight France's regulated luxury trade, where regional workshops rivaled Paris in finesse. Bequeathed to the Met in 1948 by Catherine D. Wentworth, this piece invites us to appreciate the unsung heroes of decorative arts—objects that bridged faith, community, and craftsmanship in ancien régime France. A testament to enduring elegance in everyday devotion.