Pair of sauceboats 1761 - 1762

Editor: Here we have a pair of silver sauceboats crafted by John Parker in the early 1760s. They seem incredibly ornate. I'm curious about what stands out to you about them? Curator: As a materialist, I'm fascinated by how objects like these reveal social hierarchies and production processes. Look closely at the surface. Its shimmering quality results from extensive labor, likely performed by numerous skilled artisans, each contributing to the final product. Do you think the embellishments speak to function? Editor: Absolutely! It seems as if the artistry itself serves less as a function and more so an indicator of wealth or extravagance. Why not use less material? Was the labor expensive? Curator: Precisely. These sauceboats weren't simply for holding sauce. They signified the owner’s status, their access to resources and skilled labor. Notice how the decorative elements like the cast shellwork on the legs reference nature but in a highly stylized, controlled manner. Consider, too, how silver as a material was extracted, traded, and ultimately transformed through specialized workshops. It speaks volumes about colonial economies. Editor: So, it's not just about the object, but the whole system of its making? How different artisans are linked together through a global market for materials and labor. Curator: Exactly. Understanding the “who, how, and why” behind objects like these sauceboats unlocks a far more complex and compelling narrative than mere aesthetic appreciation ever could. Think about where and how silver was mined in the 18th century; how did such exploitation feed elite lifestyles in Europe and beyond? What, indeed, *is* the real cost of this artistry? Editor: Wow, I never considered something as simple as a sauce boat being a symbol of such a complicated production network. It definitely opens your eyes to looking past the surface of decorative art.