Pair of vases 1870 - 1880

Editor: Here we have a pair of ceramic vases, created sometime between 1870 and 1880. They’re currently housed here at the Met. The stark contrast between the black background and the white figures creates a rather dramatic effect. What's your interpretation of these pieces? Curator: This piece is evocative, isn't it? The decision to mimic ancient Greek pottery in the late 19th century reflects a deep engagement with classical ideals. But let's consider the societal context. What does appropriating these forms say about power dynamics, about who gets to tell whose story, and from what perspective? The figures, rendered in that classic white-on-black style, present an idealised version of history, likely masking complex realities. Does it not make you think about whose voices are amplified and whose are muted through this romanticised lens? Editor: That's a great point! I was so focused on the aesthetic, the sort of neoclassical revival, that I missed that critical layer. Curator: Exactly! We have to constantly question these revivals and ask who is benefitting from that narrative and to what end. Consider how the historical narrative presented on the vase might subtly reinforce societal hierarchies, or even gender roles for that matter. Notice the seated male figure and the female attendants? How are these roles portrayed, and what do they implicitly communicate about power? Editor: I see it now. It almost feels like the vase is displaying a sort of fantasy world from long ago, far removed from the lived experiences of many. It makes you wonder about its function, and who its intended audience was. Curator: Precisely! By understanding this historical and social context, we see the vases less as mere decorative objects and more as artifacts embedded in a complex web of power and representation. It asks us to look beyond the surface. Editor: That's incredibly insightful, thank you. I’ll never look at ceramics the same way!