Caster 1723

Editor: Here we have "Caster," crafted in 1723 by Isaac Liger. These shimmering Baroque-style spice containers, made of silver, are displayed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The craftsmanship is striking. How might we unpack the making and the material impact here? Curator: Let's consider the social context of these casters. Silver in the 18th century was not merely decorative. It spoke of wealth, status, and power. What does it say about production, about labor, and consumption of luxury goods at the time? Editor: The intricate filigree work must have taken a lot of time! Would the skill of the silversmith elevated them in the social hierarchy, or would it reinforce it? Curator: The material itself tells a story. Silver's malleability allowed for such detailed ornamentation. Who mined it? Who refined it? Tracing its origins reveals a web of labor. Editor: So, we're thinking beyond just aesthetic beauty to consider the supply chain behind the final object. Was silver specifically desirable beyond its inherent sheen? Curator: Exactly. Its cost dictated who could own such items, dictating accessibility, and cementing socio-economic division. Also, the Baroque period loved a statement! These aren't merely salt and pepper shakers; they're a visual declaration of affluence and refined taste. Does it still translate today, to your eyes? Editor: It definitely communicates luxury, but knowing the labor that goes into silver makes you think about how the consumption happens, the raw material and the finished piece. So how does that reflect what you are looking at, compared to how others see it? Curator: Precisely! The "Caster" ceases to be merely an objet d'art, and instead a nexus of socio-economic factors. Editor: That makes the whole object even richer and more intriguing than before! Curator: Indeed. By considering the material, process and labor, the Casters provide a fascinating commentary on class and consumption in the Baroque era.