Cann 1784 - 1820

Curator: Well, hello there! Doesn't this little Cann just gleam like a whispered secret? The simplicity, that cool shimmer... it's saying, "I've seen things." Editor: It does possess a certain minimalist elegance. This is a silver cann, likely dating from somewhere between 1784 and 1820, now residing here at The Art Institute of Chicago. What draws you to it? Curator: That gleam for sure, but beyond that, the pure craftsmanship is beautiful. See those crisp lines? It reminds me of perfectly drawn breath before singing a capella. You can see "S. Gibbs" engraved there beneath what appears to be a symbolic emblem, maybe suggesting something about its former owner. Editor: Yes, these presentation pieces served significant social functions. A vessel like this signals affluence, a seat at the table – literal and figurative. The engraved arms and name provide a direct link to the patriarchal lineage so central to the period’s social hierarchies. Do you consider its role in perpetuating exclusivity when you appreciate the craftsmanship? Curator: It is a complex equation isn't it? On the one hand you feel the urge to strip this item of its political charge by focusing exclusively on the art aspect, as you know there is the temptation, I will say... but what about it calling on us as creatives? I think we do the most useful things with objects of the past if we actually charge the dialogue that revolves around it with our agency as art people, don't you? Editor: Absolutely. Examining how these objects encoded power and privilege enables a clearer understanding of societal structures that continue to resonate today. The visual rhetoric of this small silver vessel carries a potent charge. Curator: It's about owning those complexities, right? The object isn't just beautiful, it’s a historical marker. It speaks volumes, and some of what it says, isn’t pretty. The engraving adds such an evocative human touch, connecting us to those long-ago owners, even while we reflect on that society's shortcomings. Editor: Precisely. We’re called to critically reflect upon the cultural narratives inherent in its very existence and artistic making. Curator: Well, let’s raise a glass, real or imaginary, to all that it contains and signifies. Thanks for enriching our perspectives. Editor: Agreed. Here's to seeing art through a wide-angle lens.