Plate 1797 - 1800

Editor: So, here we have a ceramic plate, simply titled "Plate," dating back to around 1797-1800. The artist is unknown, but the craftsmanship is wonderful. It depicts a soldier on horseback. It's charming in its simplicity, almost folk-arty. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: The plate offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the late 18th century. Utilitarian objects like this, particularly those with historical or genre scenes, reveal a great deal about popular taste and the dissemination of imagery beyond elite circles. Does the style remind you of anything else? Editor: It kind of makes me think of naive art, the colors, the slightly stiff figure… Curator: Exactly. The simplified figuration speaks to a specific audience and function. What might have been the appeal of depicting a soldier on horseback during this period? Consider the socio-political landscape. Editor: Well, this was around the time of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Maybe there was a sense of national pride or a fascination with military figures? Curator: Precisely! And how does the object’s functionality, its existence as a plate for eating, play into its meaning? Is it glorifying warfare or simply depicting a figure of popular interest? How does this ceramic plate circulate imagery of heroism at the end of the 18th century? Editor: That’s a great point. I hadn’t considered how everyday objects like this could contribute to the construction of cultural values. The soldier as something commonplace, perhaps. Curator: It's fascinating how seemingly simple objects can reflect and shape societal attitudes. These plates often commemorated people or historical events and give the impression of what mattered at the time, so it’s definitely an angle to investigate further! Editor: I'll definitely keep that in mind as I explore other pieces. It’s interesting to think of art being embedded into daily life that way. Curator: Indeed! It pushes us to rethink the very definition and circulation of "art" itself.