Plate 18th century

Editor: This beautiful ceramic plate, dating back to the 18th century, is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s titled simply "Plate" and attributed to Castelli. The central image seems to depict a satyr within a landscape, framed by cherubs and floral motifs. I'm curious – how does the fact that it's painted on ceramic, rather than canvas, inform its meaning? Curator: That’s a great starting point. Thinking materialistically, we need to consider ceramic’s role not as a simple base, but as an integral component of this artwork. In the 18th century, ceramics were less 'high art' and more connected to craft and domestic life. The plate blurs those distinctions, doesn’t it? Who do you imagine used or consumed it? Editor: I suppose it would have been a wealthy individual who appreciated both art and fine dining. Did the decoration impact how the plate was actually used? Curator: Precisely! And beyond the individual consumer, let’s think about production. Who made this? Consider the labour involved in mining the clay, preparing it, painting the scene, firing the plate... It speaks volumes about 18th-century production processes and the hierarchy of labour, doesn't it? Editor: So, it’s not just about the mythical scene depicted, but also the social context surrounding the creation and use of the object itself? Curator: Exactly! We can analyze the pigment, the quality of the clay, the firing techniques used – all reveal aspects of material access and trade. The value placed on this type of 'decorative art' also shifts depending on evolving taste, as we go from a workshop that’s very busy with skilled craftspeople to one that isn’t. Editor: I see how understanding the materiality really opens up layers of meaning beyond just the surface image. I never would have thought of that before! Curator: Material analysis reframes our understanding, highlighting how art objects embody cultural and economic histories, not simply artistic skill. I am interested in the labor and materials it took to create a precious-looking ceramic.