Sheet with pattern of coral and circles 1800 - 1900

This small sheet with a pattern of coral and circles was made anonymously, on an unknown date, by an unknown process. Its most immediate context is the Metropolitan Museum, an institution that collects, preserves, and interprets cultural artifacts. But what cultural work does this image perform? The coral patterns suggest a connection to the natural world, while the geometric shapes and repetitive design evoke the industrial age. Its anonymous origin and mass-produced aesthetic implies an intention for popular consumption, making it a common and accessible design. The coral patterns could also be interpreted as a comment on the social structures of its time, perhaps critiquing the art establishment itself. Historians piece together the context of objects like these by researching fashion, design, and social history of its time and place of origin. By understanding the institutional and social setting of the art, we gain a deeper appreciation of the power of art to shape our understanding of the world.