Stove panel 16th century

This stove panel was made sometime between 1500 and 1600, by an artist named Vest. It’s made of earthenware, a humble material, yet skillfully brought to life. The artist has shaped the soft, wet clay, then baked it in a kiln, transforming it into a hard, durable surface. Notice how Vest has used this material’s inherent qualities to great effect, the plasticity of the clay, the texture, and even the weight, which gives a sense of solidity and permanence. The panel would have been made using a combination of hand-modeling techniques and possibly molds for the repeated decorative elements, and required skilled artistry to achieve such intricate detail. Looking closer, you can see the artist engaged with traditions that intertwine craft and fine arts, such as sculpture. Vest's piece reflects the wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption, and the amount of work involved in the production process. By recognizing the value of materials and making, we gain a richer understanding of this work, challenging the traditional divide between art and craft.