Wierookbrander met twee griffioenen en een wapenschild 1714

Editor: This engraving from 1714, titled "Incense Burner with Two Griffins and a Coat of Arms," depicts a highly ornate object. Its symmetry and the detail of the engraving are captivating. How do you interpret this work, particularly considering its function as an incense burner? Curator: Given the historical context of the Baroque era, this incense burner represents much more than a functional object; it's a statement of power and prestige. The incorporation of griffins, symbols of guardianship and strength, flanking a coat of arms, reinforces this idea. Editor: So the inclusion of these symbols elevated its social value? Curator: Precisely. The Baroque style, prevalent in 18th-century Europe, favored elaborate designs. In this context, even a common item like an incense burner transforms into a medium through which to showcase social standing. Its place in rituals performed in palaces and churches served the socio-political goal of reminding the public of its rulers’ affluence and powerful connections. It projects divine right onto earthly power. What do you make of its present location in a museum? Editor: Displaying it here allows the public to consider the art of daily life through a wider socio-historical lens. Curator: Exactly. Removing the object from its original place of power encourages new analyses about artistic, cultural, and economic exchanges in the Baroque era. Considering it this way shifts its purpose from praise of social dominance to inspiration for discussion about its legacy. Editor: That's a helpful reframing! I hadn’t considered the politics embedded within an incense burner before. Curator: Seeing art as historically situated within cultural systems expands how we discuss historical impact. Thank you for raising fresh perspectives on this artwork.