A Dutch silver caster

A Dutch silver caster

Jacques Thomas Gouverne

Maastricht, 1750-1752

157 grams; 15.5 cm high; foot diameter 5.4 cm; 6.8 cm wide

The baluster-shaped body with high domed removable cover is chased all round with twisted ribs. The caster stands on a circular stepped foot. The cover pierced with small stars has a silver finial. On the belly the intertwined monogram VG is engraved. Fully marked on the body near the foot on the underside.

The silversmith

Jacques Thomas Gouverne was born in Liège. On 6 September 1739 he was registered as an apprentice with an unnamed master. On 12 August 1744 he became a Liège-born citizen of Maastricht. A day later, on 13 August 1744, he presented his master test piece to the guild. It is known that his brother Johannes was registered as his apprentice on 1 December 1745. Jacques Thomas Gouverne was married to Joanna Josepha Crombet.

This silver caster is illustrated in the exhibition catalogue on Maastricht silver. Besides this caster, with its characteristic design, a similar coffee pot and a small coffee pot, both from 1746-49 and also made by Jacques Thomas Gouverne, were on view at this exhibition. A teapot in the same style, made by fellow guild member Hendrik Dressens, was also present at this exhibition.This shows that guild members worked together very closely or influenced one another.