Oval dish 1735 - 1755

This oval dish of unknown date was crafted by I.L., an artist whose personal history remains a mystery. The use of silver suggests a commission for someone of considerable wealth. This object invites us to consider the social rituals of dining and display in the past. Silverware like this was not merely functional; it symbolized status and taste. Think about the hands that have presented food on this dish, the conversations that have unfolded around it, and the social dynamics it silently reinforced. Who were the people who could afford such luxury? How did objects like this shape social hierarchies and cultural values? While seemingly simple, this dish reflects a complex interplay of wealth, identity, and social performance.