-Savings Bank- still bank c. 1930

This anonymous still bank was crafted from clear pressed glass. It’s a seemingly simple object, yet it reflects larger trends in society. During the late 19th century, financial institutions sought to instill values of thrift and financial responsibility, especially among the working class. The form of this bank, resembling a miniature strongbox or even a classical building, creates meaning through these visual and historical references. Its clear glass composition would have made the savings visible, acting as a constant encouragement to save more. This piece speaks to the social and economic conditions that shape artistic production. Understanding the social history of objects like this relies on research into economic trends, advertising, and the history of financial institutions. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.