Caster with cover 1727 - 1728

Editor: This is the "Caster with Cover" by Isaac Ribouleau, dimensions roughly 6 by 9 inches. It's such a fascinating little sculpture. The botanical engraving reminds me of a family crest. How do you interpret the symbolism used here? Curator: Notice the floral motifs, repeated and stylized. Flowers often signify prosperity and new beginnings. What feeling do you get from the repetition of the clover-like pattern on the top? Editor: It feels like abundance, but also a little formal and rigid. Curator: Precisely. It's a controlled abundance, reflecting the social aspirations of the owner, a desire to showcase elegance and prosperity in a very specific way. It's a form of visual language. Editor: That's a totally different way of seeing this. I never thought of it as a visual status symbol. Curator: These pieces held much meaning for their original owners. The symbols speak volumes!