Cabbage tureen before 1754

Curator: Here we have a rather curious piece. It's a ceramic tureen in the shape of a cabbage, created before 1754, and part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection. What are your first thoughts? Editor: Absurdity and excess! It's flamboyant, isn't it? A cabbage rendered in such detail and presumably for a wealthy table. It speaks volumes about status. Curator: It does. Think of the cabbage itself as a humble vegetable, transformed into an elaborate display. The choice of porcelain elevates it to a luxury item, playing with ideas of value and worth. Cabbages have always been associated with more rustic and humble meals so to create something like this is quite clever. Editor: And the detail! Each leaf seems meticulously rendered. Is this anonymous artist attempting to mimic nature, or make some sort of social point, perhaps a nod toward the emerging role of gardens as display? Curator: I think it's both. On one hand, we see a mastery of the material, showing just how lifelike porcelain can be. But beyond that, I agree; it signals wealth, refinement, and perhaps even an understanding of nature itself, refigured for domestic use and viewing. The cultural importance of gardens and their bounty was increasing. This allowed new displays of luxury through gardening and table decor. Editor: Were such tureens popular? Was this a trend in 18th century dining? Curator: Absolutely. These “trompe-l’oeil” ceramics were highly fashionable, and quite competitive. Aristocrats were constantly competing in displaying wealth through the use of complex, and intriguing luxury objects. The skill involved in making these elevated not just dining, but the decorative arts in general. Editor: Fascinating! So this tureen represents the social and cultural theatre of the 18th century table, an edible centerpiece turned permanent artwork, and a demonstration of craft, luxury, and wealth. Curator: Precisely! A cabbage made immortal, reflecting social currents that would eventually give way to revolution and societal change. A glimpse of life before it all changed.