Dish or plateau 19th century

Editor: Right, so this is a “Dish or Plateau,” dating back to the 19th century, and created by Elkington & Co. It’s made of bronze with some silver and gold detailing, and it’s currently housed at the Met. My first thought? Overwhelming! So much detail. What exactly am I looking at? What story is being told here? Curator: Story, yes! It's as if a medieval tapestry exploded and re-formed itself on a metal platter. The detail is dizzying, I agree. Think of it less as a mere "dish" and more as a portable, prestigious drama. A narrative unfolds across its surface, packed with figures seemingly plucked from history, maybe legend. A kingly figure at the center, a gathering – it feels both ceremonial and fraught, doesn't it? Almost theatrical. What draws you in most? Editor: I think it’s the way the figures are all looking in different directions, caught in their own moments. It’s hard to pinpoint a single focus. What does it all MEAN, though? Is this a specific historical event? Curator: Ah, that’s the beautiful enigma! It's historical *feeling,* rather than rigidly historical. Elkington & Co. were masters of revival styles. They were less concerned with accuracy, and more about evoking a certain grand, romanticized past. Do you see how the circular format almost traps the figures within its golden embrace? Editor: I do, like they're forever frozen in this single moment. So, it's not necessarily about a "truthful" depiction. Curator: Exactly! More like a delicious historical daydream rendered in shimmering metal. And those surrounding vignettes, do they suggest other related stories to you? They serve to amplify the theatrical feel of the central narrative, as in a dream sequence! Editor: That’s fascinating. So, the focus is more on creating a sense of grandeur and history, than documenting something real. I will keep that in mind. It has such a unique blend of craftsmanship and storytelling. Thanks. Curator: Indeed! A collision of craft, storytelling, and a dash of pure, unadulterated fantasy. The sort of objet d’art one could spend hours happily lost within, which is as good a purpose for art as any other, wouldn’t you say?