The full effect of the goldsmith's art became a reality about the time of Lamerie's birth at the end of the 17th century. The immense confidence of the Baroque style swept across Europe largely due to the power of the papacy and the influence of Louis XIV in France. In almost direct contrast, the Rococo style that followed was the product of peace. In silver, the style was characterized by asymmetry, curves and spontaneity, which were frequently mixed with naturalistic elements. Almost as soon as the Rococo had taken its wayward hold on Europe, a new renaissance was underway.
Silver is a unique medium in the arts.
For most of history it has had a value equal to that of coin, and it is infinitely recyclable. As fashions changed, silver was melted down to reemerge in new forms, or if funds ran short silver was converted into coin. Because of its intrinsic value most European centers of production devised a system of assaying silver to determine its purity, subsequently indicating this with a hallmark. These marks frequently provide an accurate method of dating the piece, and even identifying the maker. Thus antique silver is the most reliable barometer of wealth and taste available to the historian.