Plate 1700 - 1710

This plate was made by Edward Winslow, a silversmith working in Boston during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. It’s made of silver, a precious material that signifies wealth and status. Consider how the silversmith transformed raw material into a refined object. Silversmithing involves techniques such as hammering, shaping, and polishing. The surface of the plate likely reflects the hammer blows used to form it, demanding skilled labor and time to produce. Note the engraved coat of arms on the upper rim; a further demonstration of the client’s status. The plate is not just functional; it's a symbol of social standing and taste. Objects like this challenge traditional hierarchies between art and craft, reminding us that skill, labor, and social context are crucial to understanding an artwork's full meaning.