Solid Silver Olive Spoon, Antwerp, 1680–1715

Rare and refined olive spoon in solid silver, made in Antwerp at the end of the 17th century or in the early years of the 18th century. Its dating, confirmed by an expert, makes it a particularly old testimony of this service cover.

Its large oval spoon is distinguished by a remarkable decorative double work, combining the perforation with a fine engraving with a dry tip. The ajours make up an elegant network of scrolls and foliage, organized symmetrically around a central axis. On the solid parts, the engraved lines extend the windings and enrich the drawing: the cut and engraving respond to each other, giving the whole the appearance of a delicate silver lace.

This elaborate decoration accompanies the function of the cutlery, whose openwork spoon allows the olives to be drained before serving. The handle, with sober lines, gradually widens to end in a rounded spatula. Its simplicity underlines the richness of the spoon and the harmony of proportions.

The piece bears a master stamp featuring a salt shaker, close to the mark No. 198 published by Anne-Marie Claessens-Péré in her book Antwerpse goud- en zilvermerken 1456–1798. This mark, referred to as "Zoutvat in contour", is documented on several works of Antwerp goldsmithing from the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The master's name remains unidentified.

The antiquity of this spoon, the finesse of its ornamentation and its perfect state of conservation make it a rare piece, of great interest to lovers of antique cutlery and goldsmithing from the old Netherlands.