Theodoor Rogiers, Decorative silver ewer and basin

Were these magnificent items ever put to use in Rubens’s household? Who knows? Then again, the set’s impractical shape suggests that this ewer and basin were for display rather than for daily use. A magnificent example of 17th-century Antwerp silversmithing art.  

 
Attributed to Theodoor Rogiers (1602-1654), later addition by Josephus Hennekin (1644-1720)  

Decorative ewer and basin set  

1635-1636  

Gold-plated silver  

 

In storage

Theodoor Rogiers, Decorative silver ewer and basin

The silver ewer and basin by Theodoor Rogiers were presented to guests during a banquet so they could wash their hands. However, this set was more of a status symbol, which explains its opulence.

A renowned goldsmith

The set’s lavish decoration and slightly awkward shape betray its primary purpose. The ewer and basin were merely intended for display for visitors on a sideboard or tiered buffet along with similar grand pieces of tableware. The exquisite repoussé and chasing is the work of Theodoor Rogiers, a famous silversmith who even had the English king as a patron. He was so renowned that he was even included in the Iconographie, a series of engraved portraits of famous artists, scholars and statesmen.

Toegeschreven aan Theodoor Rogiers en latere toevoeging door Josephus Hennekin, Zilveren sierstel, 1635-1636, Rubenshuis, publiek domein
Toegeschreven aan Theodoor Rogiers en latere toevoeging door Josephus Hennekin, Zilveren sierstel (detail), 1635-1636, Rubenshuis, publiek domein
Toegeschreven aan Theodoor Rogiers en latere toevoeging door Josephus Hennekin, Zilveren sierstel (detail), 1635-1636, Rubenshuis, publiek domein
Involved in the creative process

In the ancient tradition, Susannah symbolised chastity and the redeemed soul, but in the Renaissance, she was mainly used as an excuse to depict female nudity. In this silver retelling of this story, the two men even try to undress her. The composition is clearly inspired by Rubens and possibly a confirmation of his involvement in its creation. In all likelihood, he did not design this himself.

Toegeschreven aan Theodoor Rogiers en latere toevoeging door Josephus Hennekin, Zilveren sierstel (detail), 1635-1636, Rubenshuis, publiek domein
Water

Did you spot the common theme? That’s right, all the scenes refer to water. While Susannah and the Elders sit by the fountain, Venus - the goddess of love - is born from the sea and crowned by the Three Graces. The ewer’s handle is shaped like a Triton holding a sea serpent aloft. The other sections are decorated with zephyrs, masks, grotesques, satyrs, putti, vines, egg-and-dart patterns and foliage.

Toegeschreven aan Theodoor Rogiers en latere toevoeging door Josephus Hennekin, Zilveren sierstel (detail), 1635-1636, Rubenshuis, © Ans Brys
Rubens’s heirs

This showpiece remained in the possession of Rubens’s heirs for almost 400 years until two art lovers purchased it in 1999 at an auction in Monaco. The generous patrons immediately donated it to the King Baudouin Foundation. Since then, it has been preserved where it belongs, namely in the Rubens House.  

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Theodoor Rogiers, Decorative silver ewer and basin | Rubenshuis