Inktstel van tin, langs de rand van de pennenbak en op het deksel van de inktpot ingelegd met groene stenen c. 1910 - 1930

Editor: Here we have a tin inkwell, inlaid with green stones, dating from around 1910 to 1930. It was created by Chris Agterberg and is currently held at the Rijksmuseum. It reminds me of a futuristic, metallic flower. What social or historical context shaped its design? Curator: This inkwell, born out of the Art Nouveau movement, speaks volumes about its era. This era prized nature-inspired motifs, which we see here in the stylized, organic forms and the strategic placement of green stones that invoke natural elements. But it goes deeper than that. Art Nouveau sought to dismantle the hierarchy between fine and applied arts. Considering this context, how might this seemingly functional object challenge traditional notions of art and craft? Editor: So, it's not just about making something pretty, but also elevating craft to the level of high art. Curator: Precisely! It’s also important to recognize the class dimension inherent in such objects. While aesthetically beautiful, pieces like these inkwells would have been luxury items, suggesting certain levels of literacy and privilege within society. Considering these factors, how do you perceive the interplay between aesthetic appreciation, social status, and access to education in the early 20th century? Editor: It brings a completely different perspective, knowing who could have afforded and used it. It really highlights the intersection of art, class, and societal values. Curator: Indeed. Thinking critically about these elements offers us a more nuanced reading of the object and the culture from which it emerged. Editor: Thanks, that broader understanding gives it a lot more depth!