Not All That Glitters Is Gold Silver Exhibit Offers Glimpse of Decorative Arts in Dutch Royal House by Heather Nalbone To mark his silver jubilee in 1874, King Willem III was presented with an elaborate silver goblet, an ornate centerpiece that stands more than two feet tall and is topped with a shiny nautilus shell. Now, the 131-year-old goblet (a present from the province of Zeeland, a group of islands in southwest Holland) is on display in celebration of another silver jubileeóthat of Queen Beatrix, who in April celebrated her 25th year as head of state for the Netherlands. The goblet is one of 14 decorative works that make up the Corcoran Gallery of Artís intimate ìDutch Royal Silverî exhibition. The display, in the words of Corcoran curator Laura Coyle, ìoffers the American public a rare glimpse of the beautiful and historical silver decorative arts in the collection of the Dutch Royal House.î Unlike more typical displays, many of the items on loan from the private collection of the Royal House of Orange-Nassau are still used as centerpieces during banquets hosted by the royal family. The items chosen for the exhibit are mostly from the 19th century and were gifts at wedding s and other landmark celebrations. The exhibit itself is a rather small one, although its grandeur is greater than its size. The diamond-encrusted silver jewelry boxesónot to mention an elaborate model ship and a set of matching candelabrasógleam when they are placed against the backdrop of crown molding and elaborate murals that make up the Corcoranís Salon DorÈ (gilded room). The pieces are so well preserved and so delicately formed that they command attention even by visitors passing through on their way to other museum displays. One distinguished piece is an 1870 table decoration presented by the Royal Dutch navy and ship pilot organization. The model of the then-famous ship Queen Emma features small streaming banners, tiny golden sails and sparkling silver life boats dangling from the shipís sides. The pieces are nicely complemented by a set of modern silver artwork at the Dutch ambassadorial residence on Kalorama Road. The works by contemporary Dutch silversmith Wouter van Baalen were also taken from the Royal House, as well as other museums and private collections. (Van Baalen talks about his contemporary silver artwork during a June 23 discussion at the Corcoran.) The displays also served as a kick off for ìMeet the Dutch,î a weeklong series of events in late April that celebrated the queenís jubilee and showcased Dutch contributions in politics, business and culture. Most notable was a weeklong floral display at the Netherlands ambassadorial residence showcasing 30,000 freshly cut Dutch blossoms. ìDutch Royal Silver: Celebrating the Silver Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Beatrixî runs through July 4 at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St., NW. For more information, please call (202) 639-1700 or visit www.corcoran.org. Heather Nalbone is a contributing writer for The Washington Diplomat.