Church flagon 1720 - 1755

Editor: We're looking at a Church Flagon from the early to mid-18th century, made of metal. It feels austere, yet there's an elegance to its simplicity. What can you tell us about it? Curator: This flagon offers a window into the complex power dynamics between the Church and everyday life during that era. What stories might this object whisper about wealth, faith, and social hierarchies? Editor: Social hierarchies? It’s just a container, isn’t it? Curator: Think about access, Editor. Who had access to objects of such craftsmanship, even relatively modest ones like this? Consider the materials and labor invested. Baroque art and decorative art aren't solely about visual aesthetics, they often served as tools of representation and social validation for the elite, reinforcing specific religious and social narratives. Can we see any indications about the society of its time in its shape, form or decoration? Editor: I see your point. The floral motif on the lid… Curator: Exactly. Decoration was deliberately chosen, reflecting cultural values and, quite often, religious beliefs. But beyond the overtly religious symbolism, explore who *wasn't* represented in this flagon, whose labor was extracted, whose stories were omitted. The unacknowledged makers. What narratives does the piece actively suppress through its singular focus on established power? Editor: So it's not just about appreciating the craftsmanship, but also about questioning the social context it represents. It definitely gives a new perspective to simple-looking pieces such as this one! Curator: Precisely. By engaging with both its visual language and its historical embeddedness, we gain insight into that era's structures of power, privilege, and exclusion. That’s a powerful tool to view artifacts through, and challenges us to expand our perspectives.