Presentation casket 1867

Editor: This is the Presentation Casket, created in 1867 by Josef Ritter von Storck. It’s a mixed-media assemblage incorporating silver and gold. It looks incredibly ornate and precious. I’m struck by its overwhelming richness; it's less an object and more a statement. What’s your take on its purpose and presentation? Curator: Its “presentation” *is* the purpose, I’d argue. Consider the social climate of 1867. Europe, particularly Vienna where von Storck was based, was witnessing the rise of industrial wealth and a burgeoning middle class eager to emulate aristocratic taste. These presentation caskets, ostentatious in their display of wealth, weren't merely containers; they were symbols of status and power. Think of them as meticulously crafted propaganda. Who might this have been presented to, and by whom? Editor: So, it's not just decorative, but a deliberate display of social and economic capital? Does the style—the Baroque revival—play into that at all? Curator: Precisely. The Baroque style, with its emphasis on grandeur and elaborate ornamentation, evokes the historical power and prestige of European monarchies. Reviving this style allowed the rising elite to associate themselves with that established authority. It’s also interesting to think about the materials; gold and silver speak of inherent, almost timeless, value, and the jewels… they add another layer. Editor: It's interesting how an object can reflect such specific social ambitions and anxieties. Seeing it in the Met, out of its original context, does change its meaning somewhat. Curator: Museums play a role in this, as they institutionalize what is important within the cultural context. Looking at this artwork raises questions about how we define art and who gets to create and consume it, and what is considered tasteful as opposed to being seen as excessive, over-the-top, or distasteful. Thank you for pointing out its modern meaning today, removed from its origin. I will definitely reflect on that!