Covered Goblet, Pear shaped bidy on shaft og twisted tree-trunk with bear treed by dog

Art Historical Context

This intriguing print by Jonas Silber captures the elegant form of a covered goblet, its pear-shaped body rising from a shaft fashioned like a twisted tree trunk. The design incorporates lively natural motifs, including a bear pursued by a dog, blending functional vessel imagery with whimsical woodland elements. Created as a metalcut with dotted print technique, the work showcases the precision of early relief printing on metal, where fine lines and stippled textures produce delicate shading and detail. Metalcut prints like this one played an important role in the Renaissance and early modern periods, often serving as models for goldsmiths and artisans. Silber’s approach highlights the period’s fascination with transforming natural forms into luxurious objects, merging practicality with storytelling. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1934, the trimmed sheet preserves a glimpse into the inventive world of decorative design, inviting viewers to appreciate both the technical skill and imaginative spirit behind such prints.