Coffer 1585 - 1599

Editor: We’re looking at a metal coffer from the late 16th century, dating from 1585 to 1599. It's currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's striking how robust and ornate it is, all in what looks like sculpted and carved steel. How should we approach such an imposing, beautiful object? Curator: Think of it as a strongbox of its time, signaling wealth, yes, but also a particular power dynamic. It’s beautiful and refined. I invite us to also question: what does it safeguard? Where was it crafted? Editor: Presumably precious items of some sort? From whom did it protect these items? Curator: Exactly! Coffers were often commissioned by powerful families and merchant classes. These individuals thrived under developing systems of early global trade and exploitation. They amassed capital by extracting resources from colonies abroad and leveraging the forced labor of enslaved peoples. Therefore, consider the coffer itself a symbol of power structures. Who was invited to view it and to what effect? Editor: I see what you mean! That puts a different spin on viewing such craftwork. I focused on it being decorative, without questioning the economics of how or why the decorations were applied. Are there similar links between craft and global economics in other artwork from this era? Curator: Certainly, looking at textiles, ceramics and even paintings from that period can reveal connections to these social dynamics. The materials, the styles, all whisper stories of trade routes, colonial encounters, and wealth accumulation. Understanding these intertwined narratives unveils the complexities inherent in appreciating art, rather than separating aesthetic beauty from these economic structures. Editor: It sounds like learning about these intersections opens up so many pathways into art history! Thank you for bringing a broader context to decorative arts for me. Curator: My pleasure! Recognizing those economic systems in this coffer is key for me as it invites conversations about equity and access, urging us to question not just what we see, but also who benefits from it and at what cost.