-Pompeiian Lady- plaque 1875

This silver plaque, known as "Pompeiian Lady," was created by Auguste Adolphe Willms. It’s a fantastic example of metalwork, likely achieved through a combination of chasing and repoussé, techniques where the artist carefully hammers and pushes the metal from both the front and back to create a raised design. The material itself, silver, is significant. It’s a precious metal, associated with wealth and status, and it requires considerable skill to manipulate. The level of detail in the figures, the drapery, and the architectural elements shows a high degree of technical mastery. Consider the social context: plaques like this would have been luxury items, made for display in wealthy homes, reflecting the owner's refined taste and appreciation for classical themes. The amount of labor involved in producing such an object would have been considerable, further adding to its value and exclusivity. Ultimately, appreciating this plaque involves recognizing the labor and skill embedded in its making, and understanding its place within a social hierarchy of taste and consumption.