Dish 1728 - 1729

Editor: Here we have a silver dish crafted by Philippe-Jacques Langlois, sometime around 1728 or 1729. Its shiny surface and ornate rim give it an air of refinement, and the engraving in the center makes it quite fancy. What can you tell me about this dish that I might be missing? Curator: Well, seeing a piece like this, made of silver, immediately prompts the question: who was its intended audience? In the 18th century, owning such an object broadcasted social standing. It wasn't merely functional; it signified wealth, taste, and connection to power structures. What does the coat of arms in the center tell us? Editor: I’m guessing that the coat of arms must indicate who this dish belonged to? Curator: Precisely. Luxury items, like this dish, were tools of social performance, weren't they? A tangible representation of family lineage and noble status designed for display in a domestic setting to impress. Imagine the settings in which it may have been shown: a grand dining hall? a formal living area? It acted as a potent symbol within elaborate social rituals of the era. The form is indicative of Baroque taste as well, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Yes, the scalloped edges definitely speak to that Baroque flourish. It makes you think about all the other Baroque silver out there, who owned those items, what happened to them? Curator: Exactly! Think of the network this single object connects us to - the artisan, the patron, the social rituals surrounding its use, and even its survival through history and its placement within the museum. Each piece offers a glimpse into that intricate historical fabric. Editor: I guess a simple-looking dish holds so much history! Thanks for illuminating that! Curator: My pleasure. Now think about the politics of silver itself as a global commodity at this time.