Cake plate 17th century

Curator: This delicate cake plate, dating back to the 17th century, was crafted by Joachim Schirmer I. It resides here at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering us a glimpse into historical culinary traditions. Editor: My first impression is one of unexpected starkness. Even with those soft floral etchings, it almost feels like a metallic snowflake fallen onto a dark winter's day. Do you think the original presentation would have softened that effect somehow? Curator: Most likely. Context is everything. A laden table, candlelight perhaps… consider the power dynamics at play during that period, especially during meals, how food and the serving vessels themselves communicated wealth and status. Who might have designed, commissioned, and utilized such a piece? Editor: A glittering statement! Imagine the weight of expectation placed on those carefully positioned cakes. Was the maker even thinking about that at all, or were they purely focused on its geometrical layout? Those radial segments… it feels so meticulously planned. Almost robotic. Curator: The geometric precision juxtaposed with the flowing floral patterns creates a fascinating tension. It reflects the evolving aesthetic tastes of the time – a dance between traditional craftsmanship and burgeoning concepts of order and control influencing the domestic sphere. We cannot ignore the role of metalwork in reflecting societal hierarchies and access to resources. Editor: It makes me wonder if they ever thought we'd be scrutinizing their creation centuries later. I am wondering, though, if my grandma baked on that plate and she’d kill me if she ever heard me call it 'geometric', her table would have to be floral like its design. Curator: Precisely! It reminds us of how objects, seemingly simple, become vessels of cultural meaning and generational connection. Studying decorative arts offers crucial perspectives on the lives of people, and illuminates unspoken assumptions. Editor: Looking at it this way really opens up my awareness. All of sudden, the beauty it hides becomes very evident, and makes me reflect on how something old can offer us so many insights if seen from the right angles!