Cup c. 18th century

This delicate cup with floral decorations was created by an anonymous artist, and we do not know when it was made. Its anonymity raises questions about the narratives we prioritize in art history. Typically, our attention is drawn to the unique genius of individual artists. However, this cup redirects our focus to the collaborative and often unacknowledged labor involved in creating cultural objects. Who made it? Was it the work of a woman, perhaps within a domestic setting, or a member of a marginalized community whose contributions have been historically overlooked? The floral design might suggest traditional representations of femininity and domesticity, but might also be a subversive act of self-expression within the confines of those roles. As you contemplate this object, consider the untold stories and the identities that may be invisibly imprinted upon its surface.