The Three Graces, after antiquity? c. 19th century

Editor: This is "The Three Graces, after antiquity?" by the Pichler family, and it appears to be very small, like a cameo. I'm curious about its purpose and reception. What can you tell me about this work? Curator: This intaglio likely circulated among elite circles who collected such objects as symbols of taste and education. The Graces, often associated with beauty and charm, carried significant cultural weight, especially when referencing antiquity. Consider how the museum itself shapes our understanding of these objects today. Editor: So it’s more about the object as a symbol than its aesthetic qualities? Curator: The object's symbolism and its role in constructing social identity are intertwined. It raises questions about the politics of classical imagery and its appropriation by different social groups. Editor: That makes me think about how we display and interpret it now. Curator: Exactly. It encourages us to critically examine the museum's role in perpetuating or challenging historical narratives.