European Silverware

This catalog presents a selection of the most representative pieces from the vast and diverse assortment of silverware produced in Europe between the 17th century and the early 19th century: from the old German states to the Italian peninsula, from France to England, the objects described in these pages testify to the great skill of master silversmiths in forging precious metals according to the artistic trends of their time, and together offer an exhaustive compendium of the main types of tableware and domestic objects used in the homes of the European upper classes over the course of three centuries. The book draws on the collection of the Villa san Luca in Ospedaletti, Italy, donated to the museum by collectors Luigi Anton and Nera Laura. With over 6,000 objects from Europe and Asia, the collection is one of Italy's most important private collections of decorative arts.