Wager cup

About this artwork

height 20 cm x width 21.5 cm x depth 9 cm

Art Historical Context

### Wager Cup by Gerrit Jacobsen Crafted around 1625 by Dutch silversmith Gerrit Jacobsen this wager cup exemplifies the exquisite metalwork of the Dutch Golden Age. Standing about 20 cm tall, with a width of 21.5 cm and depth of 9 cm, the silver vessel was designed not just for drinking but for social games. Wager cups like this one were popular in 17th-century Netherlands, where revelers would bet on feats like balancing the cup or transforming its shape—losers quaffed the contents as forfeit, blending merriment with friendly rivalry. Jacobsen's craftsmanship highlights the era's mastery of silver smithing, a booming trade fueled by Holland's prosperity from trade and colonization. The medium's luster and durability made silver ideal for such functional yet ornate objects, often featuring intricate chasing or engraving (though specifics here are unnoted). These cups reflect tavern culture, where toasts sealed deals and dice decided fates, offering a glimpse into the sociable heart of Golden Age society. Today, this wager cup invites us to imagine the clink of silver amid laughter and wagers, a tangible link to a time when everyday luxury fueled communal joy.