Plate (one of a pair) 1777

Editor: This is "Plate (one of a pair)" crafted in 1777 by Jean Chaslon. It's silver, and currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I'm immediately struck by its austere beauty. How do you see this piece, observing its structure and the nature of its materials? Curator: The appeal lies significantly in the plate's form. Note the interplay between the central, concave disc and the elaborately undulating rim. The Baroque influence is evident, a period that favored dynamic curves and ornate detailing. Chaslon’s work uses this vocabulary with notable restraint, though, and the reflectivity inherent to the silver medium elevates the plate from mere function to something almost ethereal. Consider the crest placed at the very top: How does this change the viewer's understanding of this silver object? Editor: Well, I imagine it makes the plate much more individualized, less about abstract Baroque style and more about who it was made for. I can also see a shift in plane—from circle, to flower, to coat-of-arms. Curator: Precisely! Observe how light interacts with the silver surface, emphasizing the plate’s contours, the lines and their subtle variations, all creating an arresting composition. It's not merely an object; it's an exercise in form and material, capturing and refracting light. What could that crest also symbolize? Editor: It could reference nobility and status. It adds a new dimension beyond just appreciating the artistry. Thinking about that coat of arms has definitely added a new point of engagement for me! Curator: Indeed. The plate, seemingly simple, invites complex readings based on formal elements alone. This analysis, hopefully, enhances your understanding, pushing beyond simple aesthetic appreciation.