Cruet c. 1936

This is Roberta Elvis’s watercolor of a cruet. Though undated, Elvis lived between 1855 and 1995, a period of immense change in design, social structures, and the institutional role of art. Let's consider the social context of such a refined object. Cruets were common in middle- and upper-class households for serving condiments. The intricate design of this cruet, with its spiraling flutes and faceted stopper, speaks to a culture valuing handcrafted elegance. Was Elvis commenting on the refined tastes of this social class, or was it simply a study in design? The inscription "actual size" adds another layer of complexity. Was this intended as a design proposal? We might consider archives of design schools to look for similar examples of designs. The social history of design shows how artists often engage with both aesthetic and functional considerations, reflecting and shaping the tastes of their time. By understanding these contexts, we can better appreciate how art interacts with and comments on the world around it.