Plate (one of a set of two of graduated size) 1771 - 1772

This silver plate is by Edme-Pierre Balzac, a Parisian silversmith working in the 18th century. Crafted during a period of French history defined by rigid class structures, this plate offers a glimpse into the world of aristocratic dining and social rituals. In a society deeply marked by inequality, silver tableware was more than just functional. It served as a potent symbol of wealth, status, and power. Owning such items reinforced the social hierarchy, with each piece reflecting the owner's elevated position in society. The plate’s delicate, scalloped edge and engraved crest embody the refined tastes of the French elite, who flaunted their status through meticulously crafted objects. The scratches on its surface whisper stories of use, each mark a testament to the lives it touched and the meals it served. The plate invites us to reflect on the relationship between objects and identity, and the ways in which material culture both shapes and reflects societal values.