Dish 1773 - 1774

This silver dish was made by Paul-David Bazille, a French silversmith, sometime before his death in 1793. Silverware like this wasn't just about function; it signaled status. The soft, luminous surface of the silver is achieved through careful hammering and polishing, skills passed down through generations of artisans. Notice the subtle curves and the engraved crest at the center. These details speak to the high level of craft involved. In the 18th century, silver production was closely tied to global trade networks and colonial exploitation, where the raw material often came at the cost of forced labor. The incredible labor put into crafting this object reflects the complex social dynamics of its time. Considering the material and the making, we can understand how this dish is more than just a pretty object; it is a reflection of a complex social and economic system.