Cup c. 1660

This anonymous enameled cup invites us to consider the narratives embedded in everyday objects. Its pastoral scenes echo idealized visions of rural life, yet they prompt questions about whose labor and experiences are being represented, and whose are being erased. Consider the historical context: luxury items like this were often made for and consumed by elite classes, reflecting their values and worldview. How might the cup’s depiction of idyllic country life contrast with the realities of agricultural workers, whose lives were far from leisurely? The anonymity of the artist further complicates its interpretation. Without a known author, we’re left to ponder the social dynamics of craft production, and the many hands and stories that might be involved in its creation. The cup serves as a reminder of the complex relationships between art, labor, and social identity.