Stand from a Centerpiece c. 1864

This stand from a centerpiece was crafted anonymously, out of silver, at an unknown date. Decorative objects like this tell us a lot about the culture and social history of their time. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. Without a specific time or place, it's difficult to say exactly what these might be. But we can still notice the image's classical motifs, such as the cherubic figures, which would have resonated with elite consumers. Such a precious object on display in the dining room was certainly meant to impress dinner guests. It speaks to the social rituals of the wealthy, as well as to their aspirations and values. Researching the history of domestic objects can tell us a lot about the social norms of the past. Objects like this were luxury commodities and expressions of wealth. The meaning of art and design objects is always contingent on social and institutional context.