Pierced tin still bank c. 1870

Curator: This object is a pierced tin still bank, dating back to approximately 1870. Editor: There's a fragility to it that I wasn't expecting. Given it's made of tin, which suggests robustness, the piercing undermines that; the overall impression is almost ethereal. Curator: Yes, tin is an interesting choice of material. It speaks to the era, but the piercing goes beyond mere function, transforming it into something decorative. The geometric design of interconnected triangles surely carried a cultural message beyond mere adornment. Editor: It certainly catches the eye. I’m drawn to the relationship between the positive and negative spaces, the solid tin versus the cutouts. The triangular shapes create an all-over pattern and activate the surface and volume. It also has an appealing visual rhythm as your eye reads across the work. Curator: The triangles may also hint at the social values of the time, echoing prevalent ideals of growth, prosperity and divine order. These symbols reflected how Americans tried to understand and shape their social experiences, investing these commonplace items with social meaning. The bank transforms from just an object to hold coins, into a statement on industry and financial ideals. Editor: You can really feel the traces of time on the piece – look at the worn paint. The distressed quality contributes to its overall aesthetic. The colors - sea green and hints of blue - contribute to the effect too. It seems odd but this helps us access the artwork; that aged look gives a sense of human presence. Curator: Indeed, its imperfections weave stories. In an age of increasing mechanization and urbanization, objects like this held a deeper resonance for people navigating the shift towards modernity. The tin bank isn't just a container; it's a testament to a particular moment. Editor: So the geometry serves as a visual language to talk about values and aspiration, but it’s encased in a quite simple sculptural shape with very restrained color, providing a grounded, domestic connection. Curator: It all adds up to more than just aesthetics or material; the piercing evokes emotions. Editor: Agreed, an intriguing little study on form and symbolic function.