Ladle 1777 - 1790

Editor: So this is Joseph Richardson Jr.’s "Ladle," made sometime between 1777 and 1790. It’s silver, and resides here at the Met. It's deceptively simple, isn’t it? The curve of the handle almost feels…alive. What do you see in a piece like this? Curator: Ah, yes. A seemingly humble object, elevated to art. Look at the shell shape of the bowl. Do you notice how the ridged lines radiate outwards? Consider how shells, and particularly scallops, are potent symbols of pilgrimage, rebirth, and even divinity, harking back to Venus, born of the sea. This reference to classical antiquity via the Rococo style reminds us of continuity through time, doesn't it? Editor: I didn’t pick up on that. So, a simple ladle isn’t just a tool; it's layered with meaning? Curator: Precisely. Even the silver itself carries weight. Silver, alchemically linked to the moon, often symbolizes purity and clarity. In the late 18th century, possessing such an object spoke volumes about the owner’s status, aspirations, and engagement with cultural narratives. What sort of ‘broth’ was being served by its owner in the nascent republic, symbolically speaking? Editor: That makes me think about who got to partake in that symbolic ‘broth,’ and who was excluded. It's both beautiful and thought-provoking. Curator: Indeed. Everyday objects can become powerful reminders of shared history and cultural values. It is a beautiful piece of cultural memory. Editor: I’ll definitely look at silverware differently now. Thanks!