Soup Plate c. 1775

Editor: Here we have an intriguing ceramic "Soup Plate" made around 1775. The anonymous artist, or artisan, created a suite of pearly white vessels with delicate relief. What strikes me is the uniformity. What social narratives do you see reflected here? Curator: I see echoes of power dynamics, subtly inscribed in the clay. These ceramic objects, seemingly innocuous, speak volumes about access and privilege. The uniformity you observe reflects the desire for standardization and control characteristic of the late 18th century. Editor: Control? I was thinking more about craft. Curator: Indeed, the skill required shouldn't be overlooked. Yet, consider who could afford such sets, and the labor involved in their production. This table setting represents not only good taste, but also the vast network of exploited labor that supported elite lifestyles. This kind of uniformity often masks diverse skills put toward one goal and for a few to prosper. Can we consider these objects as relics of an unequal world, reminding us to question the social structures behind aesthetics? Editor: That's a very different perspective than I had imagined. It makes you think about what’s missing from the picture – the people. Curator: Exactly. And recognizing those absences is crucial for understanding the artwork's historical context. Hopefully it changes the way you interact with decorative art of this era moving forward.