Creamer 1840 - 1850

Editor: This is a photograph of a silver creamer, dating from sometime between 1840 and 1850. The lighting makes it appear very sleek and modern. What’s your take on this image? Curator: Well, on the surface, it’s a simple, elegant object, meticulously captured. But think about it historically: the rise of photography coincided with burgeoning industrial production of silver items. This photograph, displayed in a museum context, elevates a functional object, turning a mass-produced item into art. Who was this image created for, and why? Editor: So you're saying that this picture could have a strong message about capitalism and industrialisation back in the 1800's? Curator: Exactly. It prompts us to consider the societal value placed on both craft and early mass production. Silverware, previously a symbol of aristocratic wealth, became more accessible, signifying changing class structures. The image also speaks to how photographic technology reshaped perceptions of luxury and desirability. And it makes me think of display -- how museums like the Met contribute to these value systems. Editor: That's interesting. So, seeing it in a museum changes its value again. Curator: Precisely. It highlights the curatorial choices behind displaying such an object and the socio-political narratives such display creates. What are we celebrating when we put this object in a museum? The artistry? The technology? The societal shift? Editor: It makes you think about more than just a shiny creamer! It reveals how ordinary objects are also reflections of society. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. The everyday can tell extraordinary stories. Thank you for that thoughtful insight!