Silver Deer from MOU Museum is Flemish masterpiece
The Silver Deer, a collection piece from the MOU museum, was included in the Flemish Community's Top Piece List on 23 June. The Silver Deer is a showpiece cup from around 1620 and is a masterpiece from our silver collection.
Flemish masterpiece
The Flemish Community's Top Piece List collects cultural objects considered rare and indispensable. With the Top Items Decree, the Flemish government has a list drawn up of cultural goods that must be preserved for the Flemish Community because of their archaeological, historical, cultural-historical, artistic or scientific significance. The Minister of Culture had the MOU's silver stag placed on this List of Top Items on 24 June 2023. Inclusion on the List of Top Items entails a number of rights and obligations for the city council. For instance, the deer cannot simply leave Flanders without permission from the Flemish government and the city has to ensure a stable and suitable preservation environment.
One of the largest silver collections
The MOU Museum not only has an extensive collection of Oudenaarde tapestries, but also a large collection of goldsmith's art from home and various European countries. Our silver collection is one of the largest silver collections in Flanders. More than 80% of our collection is a bequest from Mr and Mrs Ernest and Hélene de Boever-Alligoridès, including this deer.
Exceptional drinking cup
The silver deer is a drinking cup in the shape of a reclining deer and was made by a silversmith from Middelburg around 1620. During the 16th and 17th centuries, royalty, nobility and wealthy bourgeoisie possessed showy silver in unusual shapes. Goblets in the shape of an animal were very popular then. These cups were usually displayed on a sideboard. Drinking cups in the shape of a deer from the Low Countries are extremely rare, which makes this one very special. The deer with gilded parts is a unique piece that was given to high-ranking guests by guilds and city councils.