Salver 1724 - 1725

Editor: Here we have a silver salver by Bowles Nash. It’s quite a shiny piece. What strikes me is its formal shape, and I wonder what sort of social rituals surrounded its use. What do you see in it? Curator: This salver, likely from the mid-18th century, speaks volumes about class and power. Silver, then as now, signified wealth and status. Consider the labor involved in its creation, the exploitation inherent in acquiring the raw materials. This isn't just a decorative object; it's a symbol of a deeply unequal society. Editor: I didn’t consider the implications of the material itself. Curator: Exactly. Ask yourself, who benefited from this object, and at whose expense? These are critical questions when examining art historically. Editor: That’s a very interesting way to look at it, beyond just its aesthetic appeal. Curator: Indeed, art and history are always intertwined.