Pier table c. 1845

Editor: Here we have a pier table, likely crafted around 1845. It’s a mix of marble and wood, and what strikes me most are these robust, column-like legs. It feels very formal and architectural. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see more than just formal design. The Neoclassical style, especially in furniture, often served to project power and status. Consider who might have commissioned and owned this piece. How does the choice of marble and the almost severe geometry reflect the values of the elite in the mid-19th century? It's not just a table, it's a statement. Editor: So, it’s less about pure aesthetics and more about conveying a message? How did furniture function in that era, beyond just utility? Curator: Precisely! Think about the social rituals that would have taken place around it. Displaying wealth and taste was crucial for maintaining social hierarchies. The mirror behind this table probably amplified light and showed off the owner's possessions. Ask yourself how the table facilitates certain behaviours. Who did it include or exclude? Editor: That makes me consider the labour involved in sourcing the materials and crafting this object. It wasn't just design; it was exploitation. Curator: Absolutely. And whose stories are not being told? Focusing on the people behind it and those excluded encourages us to reflect critically on our own social structures. How does art support, or challenge, that function? Editor: It's a sobering thought - seeing beauty and craftsmanship while understanding the social inequalities embedded within. I'll never look at furniture the same way again. Curator: That's the power of contextualizing art. Now you see, not just look.