Octagonal dish 1645 - 1655

Editor: This is an octagonal dish made of silver relief by Master P.M., dating back to 1645-1655. Its intricate detailing and baroque style give it a regal and refined mood. What do you see in this piece beyond just a pretty plate? Curator: More than a plate, it's a mirror reflecting a society’s values. The octagonal shape itself, departing from the typical circular form, is intriguing. Numbers have always carried symbolic weight. Eight, often associated with regeneration or infinity. The repetition of floral motifs bordering the central space speaks of a cultivated appreciation for beauty and perhaps the bounty of the earth. These emblems would have been instantly recognizable to its intended audience. What kind of stories might it tell, do you think? Editor: That's fascinating. I guess I was just looking at it as an object. Knowing there's a symbolic language at play makes me wonder what kind of gatherings or rituals it would have been part of. Were certain flowers more significant than others? Curator: Precisely! While identifying each flower is challenging without closer inspection, consider the fleur-de-lis. Have you encountered it elsewhere? Editor: Definitely. It’s all over French royal imagery. I didn't even notice that detail! Curator: Its presence indicates possible connections to power, nobility, and established authority. The object transcends mere functionality to become a symbol laden with social and cultural implications. Editor: That completely shifts my perception of it. I was drawn in by its beauty, but understanding the iconography behind the artistry is way more meaningful. Curator: Indeed. Everyday objects are always cultural vessels. Engaging with them critically, unlocks those rich layers. What would you look for, next time?