Buhl Inkstand c. 1815

Editor: This is the "Buhl Inkstand," attributed to George Bullock. It's located at the Harvard Art Museums. I’m immediately struck by the floral ornamentation and the interplay of colors. What visual elements stand out to you? Curator: The inkstand demonstrates a rigorous adherence to symmetry. Observe the meticulous arrangement of floral motifs and geometric patterns. The contrast between the gold inlay and the dark ground creates a complex interplay of positive and negative space. The design underscores a sense of order and controlled ornamentation. Editor: So you see the strict symmetry as the key to the artwork? Curator: Indeed. Note how the circular form reinforces the symmetrical arrangement, creating a self-contained and visually resolved composition. The very materiality speaks to a certain ideal of craftsmanship. Editor: That makes me look at the object in a new way, beyond the ornamentation.