Plate 1840

Editor: This ceramic plate from 1840 depicts a bird of prey clutching what looks like a bundle of sticks. There's something really striking about the contrast between the everyday object, and the symbol of power depicted on it. What can you tell me about this plate? Curator: Well, immediately, it’s impossible to ignore the symbol of the bird, most likely an eagle, an enduring emblem of authority that spans cultures. Considering its creation in 1840, what historical narratives or power structures do you think might be at play here? Editor: I guess, given that it’s after the American Revolution, I might initially associate the eagle with American iconography. Is it safe to assume that this plate is North American? Curator: It’s in the Art Institute of Chicago, so that’s certainly a possibility, though provenance research would be needed to verify this. However, the eagle wasn't solely the domain of the United States. We see it used to represent empires as far back as Ancient Rome. What does it mean to take such a loaded symbol, one steeped in imperialism and place it on a commonplace item like a plate? Editor: I suppose it’s a kind of assertion of dominance, a claim to power, even within the domestic sphere? Or perhaps an ironic subversion of it? Almost like saying "power is everywhere, even on your dinnerware." Curator: Exactly. Everyday objects become sites of ideological inscription. How does that knowledge shift your understanding of decorative arts in general? Editor: It makes me think about the silent ways objects shape our perceptions. Something as simple as a plate can subtly reinforce existing hierarchies, but it can be challenged if you view things from a critical perspective. Thanks, that's a fascinating point to consider.