Wine measure c. 18th century

Editor: We're looking at a "Wine measure," likely from 18th century France. It’s made of metal and earthenware, looking very utilitarian. It gives the feeling of simple sophistication, which may not seem evident initially. How do you approach an object like this from a historical context? Curator: What I see here is more than just a simple container. Consider its intended function during a period of social stratification. This was a time when accurate measures dictated commerce, fairness, and trust. Wine was also crucial to trade. It reflects not only the material culture but the underlying social and economic order. Editor: So it's more than just the mug itself? Curator: Precisely! Think about who was commissioning, making, and using such objects. Regulations surrounding volumes of trade were strict in this period, shaping every day interactions. Imagine the craftsman who made this and how it fits into the artistic hierarchies of the time. Editor: How would an object like this be viewed then, or displayed, compared to now, considering it's in a museum? Curator: Museums elevate objects from practical to aesthetic contemplation, thus its socio-political role and economic use is now appreciated from afar. Editor: I see it now as a time capsule reflecting social concerns about equitable trade, rather than just a mug for wine. Curator: Exactly! Understanding the museum context enriches our understanding about its role and politics. This is a fascinating intersection of daily life and history!