Facsimile of Platter with Stag Hunting Scenes (Lower German, late 15th century) c. 1900

Curator: This is a fascinating object from the late 15th century. It's a facsimile of a platter, originating from Lower Germany, and notable for its depiction of stag hunting scenes. Editor: The material itself speaks volumes, doesn’t it? You can almost feel the weight and density—like holding a piece of history forged by hand. Curator: Absolutely, and these platters would have been part of elaborate displays of wealth and status. The stag hunt itself was a very popular subject, reflecting aristocratic leisure. Editor: Think about the artisanal labor poured into this thing. The maker, whoever they were, was navigating complex processes to bring this hunting scene to life in such a tangible way. Curator: Right, they weren't just crafting an object; they were performing a kind of social theater, reinforcing power structures through imagery. Editor: Indeed, it shows how even everyday objects were once bound to rigid hierarchies. A stark reminder of how labor and resources were distributed unequally. Curator: Precisely. Looking at this platter gives us a glimpse into not only the material culture but also the social dynamics of late medieval Germany. Editor: It makes you wonder what stories this piece could tell about the people who labored to make it, not just those who feasted from it.