From June 1, the exhibition Silver – Masterpieces of Delft Silver 1590-1900 in Museum Prinsenhof Delft is opened. The exhibition presents an overview of the most beautiful silver made in Delft from the beginning of the 17th century. On display are masterpieces from the heyday of Delft silversmithing: showpieces such as nautilus cups, drinking bowls and special table pieces from the 17th century, as well as spectacle pieces for the tea and table ceremony and precious toilet sets from the 18th century. Highlights from the leading own silver collection are supplemented with special loans from the Rijksmuseum, the Boston Museum Fine Arts and leading private collections. Due to the Corona crisis, some loans from Great Britain have not yet been transported to the Netherlands.
17th and 18th century
Absolute masterpieces were made in Delft from the end of the 16th century until the middle of the 17th century. Great masters made fantastic drinking cups, nautilus cups and table pieces for the elite. These silver masterpieces were the center of magnificent receptions. In the 18th century the silversmiths served the Delft beauty with top quality silver to the latest European fashion. The wine coolers, candlesticks, terrines, bread baskets and also the table cutlery and serving cutlery ensured that their guests were impressed.
Tour
The museum has made a virtual 360° tour through this exhibition, in which visitors can virtually walk by approximately eighty masterpieces, including nautilus cups, drinking bowls and special hollowware from the 17th and 18th centuries. The images are of an unprecedented high resolution. With six silver objects visitors can zoom in to the smallest detail and view the pieces from all sides.
The museum has taken measures to maintain sufficient distance and to offer visitors a safe and comfortable museum visit. Tickets have to be pre-ordered in the webshop of the museum.
Exhibition
01.06.2020 – 03.01.2021 : Museum Prinsenhof, Delft (NL).