Handcooler c. 1845 - 1860

Curator: "Handcooler," created sometime between 1845 and 1860, attributed to the Compagnie de Saint Louis. It’s made of glass and seems to have some paper inclusions. The mood is quite contained and still, almost like a miniature world captured within. The density of the internal elements contrasts nicely with the transparency of the glass. What compositional aspects strike you the most? Editor: The internal structure is the first thing that grabs me – it has this almost exploding radial symmetry that is really interesting in the context of a contained object. I’m curious, from a formal perspective, what meaning do you see in the concentricity between the outer and inner forms of this handcooler? Curator: It is an insightful reading of the radial organization of forms within and without. The textured outer glass introduces a play of light. The concentricity isolates the inner cluster into its own world with visual effects on scale, distance, and relationships. This aesthetic effect could suggest hierarchy; the texture on the outside has a structural relationship to the pristine beauty protected on the inside. A semiotic lens would denote ideas of the organic, life, and growth protected and enhanced through geometry and craftsmanship. Does this interplay resonate with you? Editor: Absolutely. The refraction creates an almost unreal depth. I agree that the contrast calls out its organic quality by distorting how we usually perceive an image within glass, adding visual intrigue. Thank you, that gave me a lot to consider in interpreting the piece beyond just face value! Curator: A fascinating dialogue. Exploring visual language certainly unlocks new levels of appreciation, doesn’t it?