Cabinet on stand 1695 - 1715

Editor: Here we have the "Cabinet on Stand," made between 1695 and 1715, crafted by Jan van Mekeren. It’s a gorgeous piece of baroque decorative art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, using various types of wood, carving and gilding, for its construction and ornamentation. The intricate floral designs inlaid into the dark wood are striking. How do you interpret the function and cultural context of such a lavish object? Curator: Well, we need to unpack the layers of power embedded in this object. Consider its opulence; it signifies wealth, yes, but also the systems that enabled that wealth. Think colonialism, exploitation of resources, and a rigid social hierarchy. Who benefits from such display? Who is excluded? The abundance of flora is particularly telling, hinting at Dutch exploration and exploitation in other countries. Editor: So, you're saying the beauty is almost a facade, masking a more complex story of inequality? Curator: Precisely. These objects were not made in a vacuum. The very act of collecting and displaying such items reinforced societal hierarchies. And the choice of materials, where do they come from? The cabinet embodies power dynamics of the 17th and 18th centuries, reflecting social class. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't fully considered. Seeing it this way, it almost feels like the cabinet becomes a symbol of both artistic skill and social injustice. How can viewers begin to engage critically with art like this? Curator: We can ask difficult questions. Who was this made for? What materials are used, and where do they come from? It asks us to see beauty and craftsmanship while critically examining the historical context in which the work was produced and consumed. Editor: That’s definitely shifted my perspective, offering a more profound engagement with this piece. Curator: Hopefully it prompts a deeper reflection on the legacy of that era, too.