Dish Cross 1820 - 1840

Curator: Welcome. Here we have an early 19th-century silver Dish Cross, likely crafted between 1820 and 1840. You can find this splendid example of decorative art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. What are your initial thoughts? Editor: Well, first, the scale strikes me – it feels delicate, almost precious. And then, there's the intricate balance of lines, all those graceful curves anchored by what looks like surprisingly functional levers. It's a feast for the eye! Curator: Absolutely. Let's deconstruct that visual "feast," shall we? Consider the object’s symmetry—a carefully considered axis runs through each of the four arms extending from that central well. The subtle repetition contributes to a sense of structured elegance. Editor: It’s more than elegant; it makes me think of labor. Consider the silversmiths’ workshops of that period – the division of labour, the apprentices learning the specific techniques required for hammering, chasing, and assembling something like this. We're talking about skilled artisanal labor condensed into this shiny object! Curator: Yes, and observe the careful manipulation of light via the smooth surfaces contrasted with the decorative elements. Each contributes to its aesthetic power, shaping a narrative around beauty and proportion within the Baroque tradition. Editor: I keep circling back to what the materials themselves are communicating, that shimmering silver embodies economic status, it talks about who owned it, the types of foods served, and what kind of labor was available at this time to refine the silver itself. These aren't just abstract aesthetics; they reflect specific historical relations. Curator: I appreciate that material assessment, though I feel it's just one perspective. Still, focusing on materiality does unveil a dialogue between functionality and beauty that perhaps we overlook. Thank you for bringing that to my attention. Editor: It's what I do. I can never ignore the socio-economic dimensions imbued in craft like this. Anyway, thanks for opening up "Dish Cross" in such a revealing and intriguing light!