Stoel 1779

Curator: My first impression is that it’s exquisite, though also perhaps non-functional—is this a miniature, or a maquette? Editor: This striking piece, crafted in 1779 by Jan Bonket, is titled "Stoel"—which translates simply to "chair." What you're seeing is a silver miniature, demonstrating rococo and decorative art elements. Its small scale, even though non-functional, really underscores the labor and the skill involved. The act of crafting a miniature in precious metal elevated it beyond mere function. Curator: Right. Miniatures like these circulated within elite social circles. These tiny chairs might function as symbolic gestures of status—consider the elaborate details that indicate wealth and privilege. It embodies rococo’s emphasis on refinement, ornament, and conspicuous consumption within the context of 18th-century aristocratic culture. Editor: It really is a showpiece, designed less for utility and more as a display of wealth, but how much more skilled would Bonket had to be in using and transforming this material to obtain the final desired ornamental effect in contrast with a utilitarian and full sized design. The silversmithing is masterful, from the crisp edges to the floral embellishments. Curator: Indeed. And this challenges our assumptions about art and craftsmanship, raising questions about hierarchies within the decorative arts and its role in bolstering social hierarchies of the time. Editor: Precisely! While undeniably beautiful, it sparks a reflection on the processes and values encoded within these luxury objects, reflecting labor conditions during the era. Curator: Seeing it now, one can understand how these pieces both mirrored and actively contributed to shaping societal norms and tastes, by legitimizing existing power structures. Editor: I'll never look at a miniature the same way! Thank you. Editor: I'm more convinced than ever that materiality can provide such profound insights.