Box (part of a set) 1685 - 1715

Curator: What immediately strikes me about this "Box" with accompanying candlesticks, dating roughly from 1685 to 1715, is the sheer volume of labor involved. Look at the tooling! Editor: I’m drawn to the almost muted quality of the metal, the way the light catches the details. I guess it’s part of a set by Nicolas Francois Foulon, created sometime between 1685 and 1715, but it almost feels contemporary. What do you make of it? Curator: Consider the Baroque period: this wasn't just decoration; it was a declaration of wealth and power. Each flourish speaks to the social dynamics and available resources. How long did it take a metalsmith to render these organic details, and what impact does this craftsmanship have? Is this "art" or "decorative object"? Perhaps these distinctions weren't as firm then as they are now. Editor: So you’re saying the artistry lies as much in the effort and material constraints as in the design itself? Curator: Precisely. Who commissioned it? Where did the materials originate? These details influence my interpretation. The candlesticks aren't merely functional objects; they reflect Foulon’s material resources, his level of training and shop equipment. The maker's hand is indelibly present here, and shouldn't be overlooked. Editor: I hadn’t thought about it in terms of labor costs, it gives the whole set new meaning. I appreciate how a Materialist lens broadens our understanding. Curator: Exactly! It's easy to admire craftsmanship, but really considering the means of its production encourages a more nuanced perspective. This isn't just something pretty to look at; it embodies the socio-economic dynamics of its time.