Plateau 19th century

Curator: The gleam of the gold almost obscures the detail. At first glance, it overwhelms, yet invites closer inspection. Editor: This is a decorative charger, entitled "Plateau," created by Elkington & Co. in the 19th century, currently held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Curator: It's certainly impressive in scale and execution. That uniform metallic hue flattens the chaotic battle scene depicted, paradoxically lending it a certain decorative charm despite the violence. Are we witnessing a glorified narrative? Editor: Indeed. These banquet dishes, often purely ornamental, were status symbols displaying wealth and celebrating significant historical or mythological events. Notice the figures around the edges—smaller scenes and royal emblems contained in circles and vignettes. These create layers of meaning; power, ceremony, legacy, all meticulously rendered. Curator: Yes, that repetitive application almost resembles coinage in its need to record power. The battle at the center then becomes another attribute of the commissioning royal’s brand, linking him or her to bravery. I can almost taste the echoes of past banquets where tales were told over dishes such as this. Editor: Quite, the plate operates both as a historical record and a cultural artifact, capturing the aspirations of a particular time and place through formal representation. See how the artist employed repoussé and chasing techniques to give it form? The subtle variations in relief create depth and shadows, enlivening the composition. Curator: The composition teems with action. But is the message received without an understanding of these older traditions? It becomes a symbol of ornate excess now, which obscures any intention to commemorate historical significance. It needs to carry more context to resonate emotionally, or perhaps, is the sheer quantity of detail enough to render impact? Editor: I find its allure arises precisely from the complex visual language used in decorative arts. Each element, from the composition to the material, bears symbolic significance—power, glory, historical continuity… all interwoven to convey potent cultural messages. It leaves you contemplating a fascinating interplay between art, power, and social function.