Quillwork Sconce 1720 - 1740

Curator: Here we have what's known as a Quillwork Sconce. It was created sometime between 1720 and 1740, and it now resides here at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: Well, my first impression is of a kind of overflowing abundance. It feels very ornate, perhaps even a bit claustrophobic with how densely packed everything is. Curator: That abundance is definitely characteristic of Baroque decorative art. Look at how the carver has used the wood to create these high-relief flowers and foliage within that defined frame. The interplay of light and shadow gives it incredible depth. Editor: It makes me wonder about the context of its creation. Quillwork, which I think refers to the sliced and shaped bird feathers used decoratively, was an acceptable pursuit for women during this period. The question then becomes: What societal expectations are reflected in this ornate, almost caged floral arrangement? Curator: An intriguing point. Still, consider the sheer craftsmanship, though. Notice how the shapes aren't just repetitive; there's a carefully considered asymmetry and variation in texture throughout the composition. The floral motifs have distinct formal relationships with one another, each creating tiny movements. Editor: While the technical skill is undeniable, it is still hard to escape thinking about this level of detailed craftsmanship happening within certain structures of class and gender. A kind of beautiful and constrained labor if you will. What freedoms were present, or absent? Curator: The act of transforming common materials like wood and feathers into an object of beauty carries its own subversive message. Editor: I suppose, even within constraints, artistic intention finds its voice. Thank you for allowing me to think of it from new vantage points! Curator: And thank you for adding dimension, socially, to what one might superficially read as only aesthetics.