Bagpiper 1740 - 1750

Editor: This ceramic sculpture, "Bagpiper," was created by John Astbury sometime between 1740 and 1750. The glaze gives it a warm, almost folksy feel. How do you read this piece, given its historical context? Curator: What strikes me is how this seemingly simple genre scene touches on complex social issues of the 18th century. Bagpipers were often associated with itinerant, working-class musicians. How does representing such a figure in ceramic, a material gaining popularity among the burgeoning middle class, complicate ideas around class and cultural value? Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't thought about the choice of material in relation to class. So, the sculpture becomes more than just a depiction of a musician? Curator: Exactly! Think about it: is this a romanticization of the rural poor? Is it a decorative piece meant to subtly reinforce a social hierarchy? We also need to ask who had access to these objects. Were they simply for decoration or also symbolic objects reflecting gender and social class? Editor: So, by considering the social context, we see the Bagpiper sculpture can speak to much larger power dynamics at play during the 18th century. I’m starting to appreciate the dialogue between the artwork and the complex world it occupies. Curator: Indeed. And thinking about the gendered spaces of display is key. Were these kinds of figurines more likely to be found in drawing rooms designed for women, spaces where societal expectations were subtly reinforced through decor and conversation? What stories might such an object have been meant to convey to the women of that time? Editor: I hadn't even considered how the location of this piece affects it’s purpose! Thank you! Curator: The pleasure is all mine, this has truly been a stimulating discussion!