Vijzel met opschrift: HERMAN TOENNISSZ EN SIN HVISFROV ANo 1586 1586

Editor: This intriguing piece, a mortar from 1586, bears the inscription "Herman Toennissz." It's crafted from metal and stoneware ceramic. What strikes me are the handles, like little dragons guarding the contents. What do you see in this piece beyond its decorative quality? Curator: I see more than just a functional object; I see a testament to the social fabric of the late 16th century. Herman Toennissz wasn't just anyone; commissioning a mortar like this was a statement of status. The intricate carvings weren't merely decorative; they were a visual language, possibly reflecting family history, profession, or even political allegiances. Editor: So, the choice of imagery and the inscription itself, could tell us something about Herman's identity and position within his community? Curator: Exactly! Consider the role of the woman referenced in the inscription - 'sin hvisfrov'. Understanding her position, her role in the household, and her potential contributions to Herman's status sheds light on gender dynamics and power structures of the time. Who was she, and what did she contribute to their social standing that merited inclusion on this object? Editor: That’s a really good point. It almost invites us to think about the labor and lives intertwined with something as simple as a mortar. It stops being just an object then, and it becomes a relational object, wouldn't you agree? Curator: Precisely. The object is activated, as it relates to its time and also today! These items existed, yes, in a domestic space. But by considering these things, aren't we turning the mortar into a vehicle for exploring questions about craft, class, and gender that still resonate? Editor: Absolutely! I initially just saw a pretty object. I realize I was just looking at the surface! Curator: Art history can open these avenues of inquiry if we commit to going deeper. Editor: Well, I'm going to try looking a lot deeper from now on. Thanks for pointing out some new angles!