Ewer 19th century

Curator: The Ewer, made by Elkington & Co. in the 19th century, is currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Constructed using metal and featuring relief work, it's an excellent example of Baroque decorative art. What do you make of it at first glance? Editor: Bling! It shouts wealth and ostentation, like something straight out of a period drama. All that golden metal makes it so over-the-top it circles back around to being kinda fabulous. Curator: Precisely! Such pieces reflected the ambition and industrial prowess of the era. Elkington was a major player in electroplating, democratizing access to what was once exclusive opulence. This allowed the burgeoning middle class to mimic aristocratic tastes. Editor: So it’s like, accessible decadence? Like fast fashion but for fancy water pitchers? It has got a certain charm though, especially how the light catches all those sculpted figures. I can see tiny classical scenes. Who are these gilded people? Curator: You’ve got a keen eye! The relief decorations invoke classical narratives, very typical of Baroque aesthetics, drawing on familiar, respected artistic tropes. It served not only as ornamentation, but a declaration of taste and erudition. Editor: It’s kinda funny to think of people showing off their “taste” through what is basically a glorified container for liquids. I guess some things never change? I am intrigued by the way the maker used the theme to weave tiny human figures all around the shape. Makes it looks grand, not just useful. Curator: That speaks to the blurring of art and industry at the time. Such objects demonstrated skill but also upheld certain socio-cultural ideals and aspirations. These were items of conspicuous consumption, certainly. Editor: A gold ewer! As a marker of your spot on the social hierarchy… Maybe a bit much, right? It’s gaudy, impractical, and utterly wonderful in its ridiculousness. I do find myself enjoying the craftsmanship now. Curator: Indeed. Examining this Ewer reminds us of how objects functioned as social signifiers, intertwined with complex historical dynamics. The artifice speaks volumes, literally. Editor: Well, now I’m off to find the most ridiculously gilded object I can. Thanks for indulging my fascination. Curator: A perfect quest spurred on by an exquisite object! I hope you all enjoyed the discussion.