Cruet Set 1762 - 1763

Editor: This is the "Cruet Set," made of silver and glass, created around 1762-1763 by John Delmester. It’s currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago. The overwhelming sense I get is of ornate luxury. What societal stories do you see in this piece? Curator: It's crucial to look beyond that initial impression. The opulence absolutely speaks volumes, but consider: who could afford such a lavish item in the 18th century? This cruet set wasn't merely functional; it was a powerful symbol of wealth, status, and participation in a deeply unequal social system. Editor: So it wasn’t *just* about beauty or craft? Curator: Not at all. Delmester, though a skilled artisan, was also creating objects that reinforced a social hierarchy. The Rococo style, with its elaborate ornamentation and extravagance, became associated with aristocratic excess, at a time when many were living in poverty. Think about what kind of power is displayed by casually using such a luxurious object. Editor: It does make you consider the politics of taste. What did this level of intricate detail signify to people at the time? Curator: In one way it represented “divine right” and the owner’s proximity to power, while reinforcing existing political norms that were rooted in exploitation. But the very visibility of this set on a table declared a visual rhetoric of supremacy and power, in everyday actions, creating systems of control. It reminds us to question not just the artistry but also the ideologies embedded within it. Does that reshape your perspective? Editor: Absolutely. I came in seeing exquisite craftsmanship; now, I see a statement about societal inequality and political maneuvering. It’s a bit unsettling. Curator: Good. Discomfort can be a catalyst for deeper understanding. This isn’t just decorative art; it’s a historical artifact that holds complicated truths about power and privilege, which we can re-examine today.