Plate c. 1845

This anonymously created plate offers a window into the social dynamics of its time. While we don't know who made it, the act of creating and using such an object was deeply embedded in the cultural practices of the day. Consider the labor involved in producing this plate. Whose hands shaped it? What were their lives like? While the plate may seem like a simple, functional object, it also carries the weight of the social and economic systems that allowed for its creation. The plate could have been used in a variety of social settings, from everyday family meals to more formal gatherings. In each context, it would have played a role in shaping the social dynamics of the event, reinforcing or subverting existing power structures. The seemingly simple design of the plate, also speaks volumes. The geometric patterns and the choice of material, glass, reflect the aesthetic preferences and cultural values of the time. These choices are not arbitrary but are shaped by broader social forces. Plates have historically been associated with nurturing and familial bonding, and even today can evoke strong feelings of nostalgia and connection.