Coffeepot 1760 - 1775

Editor: So, this Coffeepot, made between 1760 and 1775 by Ernst Gottlob Borns, it's made of silver, a lovely example of decorative art. I’m immediately drawn to how ornate it is, all those swirling details. What’s your take on this piece? Curator: For me, it’s fascinating to consider the labor and material circumstances that went into producing such an object. The silver itself, where did it come from? The process of mining, refining, and shaping it would have been extremely labor-intensive, relying heavily on exploited workforces. The elaborate Rococo design further underscores this relationship, doesn't it? Editor: You're right. I hadn't thought about the silver itself. Was owning something like this coffeepot a symbol of wealth? Curator: Absolutely. It represents a particular mode of consumption and display. Who would have owned this, and what kind of labor, both domestic and abroad, allowed them to own such a luxury item? The surface is meticulously crafted, celebrating the material while concealing the conditions of its production. Editor: So, it’s not just a pretty object, it reflects a whole social and economic structure? I guess I had focused too much on just the beauty. Curator: Precisely. By looking at the materiality and means of production, we can start to understand the complex power dynamics embedded within this seemingly simple object. Consider the wood handle for instance. Editor: Oh! I see what you mean; thanks! I hadn’t considered any of that. Curator: These objects, though beautiful, can tell stories beyond just aesthetics.