Pair of Casters 1719 - 1720

Editor: Here we have a "Pair of Casters" by Samuel Welder, date unknown. They're silver, and quite small. They seem so proper, almost austere. What can you tell me about them? Curator: Well, consider the context. Silver casters like these weren't just decorative; they were potent symbols of wealth and social standing. Who had access to refined goods and spices, and who was excluded? Editor: So, the casters aren't just pretty; they’re about power? Curator: Exactly. Think about the labor involved in producing these. Whose hands crafted them, and under what conditions? The gleaming surface belies a complex history of class and access. Editor: I hadn’t considered the labor aspect before. Thanks! Curator: It shifts the focus, doesn't it?