Étui 1789 - 1790

Editor: So here we have the "Étui", created around 1789-1790, by Etienne Pierre Rousselet. It’s a neoclassical sculpture made of metal, currently residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It looks deceptively simple, almost like a decorative container, but the details suggest so much refinement. What is your take on this artwork? Curator: The "Étui" whispers stories of a world obsessed with elegance and intricacy, doesn’t it? It’s a curious piece; such a seemingly small object that held pins, needles, scissors. Incredibly fancy storage, really. In those pre-revolutionary years, the smallest metal surfaces became canvases for meticulous craftsmanship. How do you think the size plays into its overall charm and functionality? Editor: I think the size enhances the sense of preciousness; something so small is treated with such grand artistic care. The fine details are beautiful, it is definitely not something one would casually toss into a drawer. It has an intention and mindfulness that would feel a world away from modern disposable objects. It's like a tangible whisper of a bygone era. Curator: Precisely! It speaks to a different pace of life. The very act of commissioning such an elaborate object implied wealth, of course, but also patience, a deep appreciation for handwork. Can you imagine the artist, Rousselet, toiling away at such a tiny, complex sculpture, lost in a miniature world? The repetition of the patterns are comforting to look at; It makes you appreciate having access to historical objects like these, in the present. Editor: Definitely. I love imagining those intimate interactions from the past. It makes history feel that much more tangible. It's interesting how the purpose shapes the aesthetic! Curator: Exactly, the dialogue between function and form is what truly excites me! It allows you to access a way of life that you would never come into contact with in our day and age.