Schaal van keizer Karel V c. 1876 - 1883

Curator: What strikes me first is its stillness—the almost sepia tones seem to emanate quietness. Is this a photographic print of the piece itself? Editor: Precisely. This photographic print of the “Schaal van keizer Karel V” or "Bowl of Emperor Charles V", dating back to somewhere between 1876 and 1883, was created by Léon Vidal. It is a photo of a metallic bowl and presents such interesting questions around materiality. The representation of a three-dimensional sculptural object, rendered in relief, via a two-dimensional photographic print. What do you think of its presentation? Curator: The composition of this work fascinates me—a circular bowl framed by a rectangular mount. It really highlights the contrasting elements inherent within. The circular form seems self-contained, almost womb-like, whereas the rectangular frame suggests structured containment, acting as an interesting framing device to isolate the composition. Editor: Right! The rigid border further highlights the rich detailing in the low-relief sculpture adorning the metalwork. In the print, we see figures engaged in conflict and procession, set within landscapes. I’m drawn to ponder what these depictions tell us about imperial power during the historical era of Charles V. Can the material itself speak to us about legacies of violence? What possibilities can we imagine for how metals have been taken, or traded, across vast terrains of conflict? Curator: Well, the craftsmanship evident in the bowl itself invites a deep appreciation for the work as object and process. I am intrigued by the arrangement of figures on the surface—reminiscent of classical friezes, these small sculptural details speak to balance and form. There seems a carefully planned orchestration of figures, textures and forms to encourage us to inspect its every detail, which invites the gaze closer in appreciation. Editor: That appreciation must also invite some critical analysis of the conditions by which it comes into being. This invites questions of who is elevated to subject matter, whose history is told, and the legacies of this bowl in constructing an emperor's story of identity and power. What are we celebrating by holding onto his likeness? Curator: An important point, I agree. Overall, the photographic print emphasizes the artistic mastery inherent in the piece. It seems clear the bowl was created to provoke admiration. Editor: For me, this metallic object becomes something that exceeds aesthetics. Thank you for helping us to better appreciate the questions posed by Vidal's image and the "Bowl of Emperor Charles V" today.