Centennial of Washington's Inauguration, 1889 1889

Editor: So, here we have Joseph H. Merriam's bronze relief, "Centennial of Washington's Inauguration, 1889." It’s like a commemorative coin, very clean and classical. What's striking to you about it? Curator: The immediate thing I consider is: How does this object function within a larger system of value? It's not just an image of Washington, but a mass-produced object intended to commemorate an historical event, in the centennial after it occurred. The question of labor arises; Who made this? How was it distributed? Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn't thought about the production side of it. Does the choice of bronze—as opposed to, say, gold or silver—tell us anything about its intended audience? Curator: Absolutely. Bronze suggests a wider circulation, a more democratic access to commemorating Washington. Gold or silver would imbue it with luxury and restrict its distribution, limiting its social impact. Editor: So, it's almost a functional piece, less about inherent value and more about propagating an idea through accessibility? Curator: Precisely. The means of production are central. Consider the skill needed to produce the work. While appearing straightforward, bronze casting can be technically complex. The value then shifts; not to the artwork's intrinsic, monetary value, but to its conceptual value within its era. Does this emphasis on mass-production somehow undermine the classical style depicted in the artwork itself? Editor: Interesting point; It also speaks to our understanding of how historical events are made 'official' through reproducible mediums. I definitely look at it differently now! Curator: And thinking about its purpose also makes one consider who decided to commemorate Washington and what they wished to convey at the time. The power of such materials to influence cultural meaning shouldn't be underestimated.