Platter 1870 - 1900

Curator: Here we have an intriguing object—a "Platter" dating roughly from 1870 to 1900. Its authorship is listed as Anonymous, and it resides here at The Art Institute of Chicago. What is your initial impression? Editor: Well, visually, I'm struck by its ethereality. The glass material almost seems to dissolve into the background. And the embossed design—a kind of ghost imprint—makes it feel more like a historical document than a mere decorative piece. Curator: Precisely. The clarity and uniformity of the glass highlight the symbolic density of the imagery. Note the circular composition, echoing ideals of unity and wholeness. How does that contribute to its meaning for you? Editor: Considering it likely originates from a period of intense labor movements, it reads as a political artifact. The phrase "United We Stand Divided We Fall" is hard to miss. The visual representation of Industry is rather telling about which industries where considered important then. The visual framing is a strong propaganda message about union solidarity in a post-Civil War context. Curator: Indeed. The motto is quite assertive when you account for all of the socio-economic factors it conveys.. Beyond the obvious subject matter, the design itself suggests something more conceptual. This is decorative art intended to do much more than decorate. Editor: I'd agree completely. The choice of clear glass seems very deliberate. Perhaps an aspirational statement regarding ideals of the Knights? To convey clarity of vision, honest labor, something like that. Is it meant for functional use, or to be hung for display? That makes a big difference in how the piece is understood by its owners. Curator: Good point. It's displayed as a functional platter, yet given its delicate embossed details, one wonders how frequently it might have been used in practicality versus being saved for rare events of symbolic resonance. What an enigmatic window into a complex period. Editor: Precisely. I see the piece as less about glassmaking mastery and more about social statement via art form. Thank you for highlighting aspects I wouldn’t have otherwise seen on my own. Curator: The pleasure was mine. It is easy to see only an image, so let me offer my appreciation for the deep context you give this beautiful historical piece.