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Fork

1683–84
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 522
Dining habits evolved rapidly in the seventeenth century. Forks came into use in France in the early part of the century; the concept of a matched fork and spoon, known as a couvert, did not appear until the second half of the century. Knives joined the couvert only at the very end of the 1600s, slightly after this fork and spoon were made. Their date of manufacture, 1683–84, makes them early examples of a matching fork and spoon, and they are rare survivals of this period.

Silver from the reign of Louis XIV does not exist in large quantities, since much of it was melted down in order to be reused as currency by the government. Beginning in 1689, Louis XIV issued a series of edicts that called for the confiscation of silver; the resulting new coinage was used to pay his armies and to replenish a depleted treasury. In addition, pieces of silver no longer in style frequently were melted down so that the molten metal could be refashioned in the latest taste. Thus, much silver has been lost due to the demands of both politics and fashion.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Fork
  • Maker: Louis Nicolle (master 1666, registered new mark 1680, active 1694)
  • Date: 1683–84
  • Culture: French, Paris
  • Medium: Gilded silver
  • Dimensions: Length: 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Silver
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Catherine D. Wentworth, 1948
  • Object Number: 48.187.214
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

More Artwork

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Spoon, Louis Nicolle, Silver gilt, French, Paris
Spoon
Louis Nicolle
1683–84
Tureen with cover and liner, Jacques-Nicolas Roettiers, Silver, French, Paris
Tureen with cover and liner
Jacques-Nicolas Roettiers
1775–76
Coffeepot, François Thomas Germain French, Silver with ebony handle, French, Paris
Coffeepot
François Thomas Germain
1757
Pair of candlesticks, Jacques Demé, Silver, French, Paris
Pair of candlesticks
Jacques Demé
1690–91
Nine-light chandelier, Gilt and patinated bronze, French
Nine-light chandelier
French
ca. 1785

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