Seminars • Colloques

John Marshall, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost - Chalice Cup, quartz, crystal, hematitie, sterling silver, and steel, Edmonds, Washington, 1991. Collection of Michael M. Scott. Photo: Jerry Davis.

New York University's Summer Silver Seminar
New York City
June 12 & 13, 2004

Drink Up: The Chalice, Beaker, Goblet, and Cup

Among the earliest forms to be made in precious metals, the chalice, beaker, goblet, and cup were frequently given as commemorative objects, marking distinguished achievements, service, and accomplishment or used for celebratory and religious practices. Retaining their significance, commemorative cups are produced commercially and created by individual makers who express personal artistic visions through them. We explore the development and evolution of these vessels, tracing their roots to Scythian, Greek and Roman cultures. Use, form, and function are considered and linked to social developments and changes in customs and rituals. The stylistic progression of these forms is traced from their earliest epochs through to early 20th-century Europe (including Russia) and America.

Amongst those speaking are master silversmiths Kurt Matzdorf, John Marshall, and Ubaldo Vitali; silver historians David Allan from Paris, and Reinhard Saenger from Karlesruhe, with John LeHeup, Gerald W. R. Ward, and the Houston dealer Phyllis Tucker.

The seminar is organized by Lisa Koenigsberg, Director, Programs in the Arts at New York University and D. Albert Soeffing, President Emeritus of the New York Silver Society.

Fee: *** The seminar fee is $300. The course number is X03.8614-001. The seminar takes place in the Washington Square Park area, New York City. To register by phone please call (212) 998-7130 or access our website at www.scps.nyu.edu at least six days before the program start date.