Wine coaster c. 1810 - 1820

This wine coaster was created by an anonymous artist, and its presence in the Minneapolis Institute of Art speaks volumes. Consider the historical and social context of an object like this. Who was using this wine coaster? Likely, it was someone of considerable wealth. This simple item, designed to protect furniture from condensation, is a quiet emblem of class. Its very existence implies leisurely meals, social gatherings, and a particular kind of domestic space. Objects like this also reflect the labor and materials that went into their creation. The silver and craftsmanship involved suggest a network of makers, traders, and consumers, each playing a role in the coaster's story. The anonymity of the artist encourages us to think more broadly, about the systems of production and consumption that shape our world, then and now. This coaster isn't just a functional object; it's a lens through which we can examine social structures.