Covered box with a portrait of Charles III of Spain c. 1875 - 1899

Curator: What strikes me first about this covered box with a portrait of Charles III of Spain is its intimacy. Though the exact artist is currently listed as anonymous, the ceramic piece made of earthenware feels incredibly personal. Its Rococo style evokes the late 18th century when Charles III reigned, although its creation is estimated to have taken place around 1875-1899. Editor: The slight asymmetry and the hand-painted details make the portrait so charming and quirky. The profile view and the limited color palette gives it a quaintness, almost like a memento. The script surrounding the central image gives the box a didactic dimension, it transforms the monarch into some sort of lesson. Curator: Absolutely, it is didactic and functions as a form of commemorative material. The surrounding letters could have an allegorical reference or personal meaning. The piece appears to perform some service of idealization or instruction relating to the monarch. While we don't know for sure where it might have been placed or who it was made for, these personal objects tell us much about the public and private lives during periods of state and social upheaval. Editor: These ceramic boxes also became forms of resistance and the decoration and production itself often served as a critique. It could also have been conceived of as propaganda— meant to serve or subvert political narratives. It also begs the question of access. Who had access to such an object? What power did this object or image hold? Curator: Considering it comes a century later after his death, it appears to be an afterimage of the former king during later social unrest. Editor: Exactly! As an object out of time, its power lies in its construction and context, which complicates our reading of Charles III himself and the narrative this artwork seems to carry. Curator: Thank you for that! It adds another dimension to viewing this modest yet meaningful artwork. Editor: My pleasure, I'll keep looking for the box that speaks back!