Cock (one of a pair) 1745 - 1765

Curator: This charming ceramic sculpture, "Cock (one of a pair)", dates from 1745 to 1765 and is attributed to the Whieldon type. It resides here at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: I’m immediately struck by the color. That bright green and contrasting dark blue really pop, especially against the stark white of the head and base. It feels very alive! Curator: Indeed. The choice of color is very deliberate, reflecting the rising interest in naturalism during the mid-18th century. Artists looked to mimic nature in new ways, and in decorative art, this translated to vibrant and lifelike depictions of flora and fauna. Editor: Thinking about its purpose... was it purely ornamental? Did these ceramic figures carry any particular social weight at the time? Curator: It’s very likely it served a decorative function, gracing the homes of the burgeoning middle class who sought to emulate the tastes of the aristocracy. Also, the cock, a potent symbol throughout history, often represented vigilance, courage, even fertility. This resonates within broader cultural understanding across history. Editor: So, acquiring a piece like this was a subtle way of projecting aspirations – good taste, prosperity, maybe even virility! I wonder how the presence of the "pair," as the title suggests, enhanced that symbolic impact. Curator: Exactly! It speaks volumes about social mobility and the performance of identity. The missing partner might evoke absence, a broken ideal, or perhaps just highlight this particular cock's singularity. Editor: That splash of green really grabs your eye. Almost shockingly bright against the more muted tones of other 18th-century ceramics I've seen. It really makes you consider the contemporary market forces that gave it a home and a cultural meaning. Curator: Absolutely. It offers a glimpse into the mindset of its original owners. A reminder of values we still engage with through aesthetics, social status and identity. Editor: This colorful cock certainly crowed its way into a place in history. A lovely illustration of the intersection between nature, culture, and material objects! Curator: An unexpected window onto 18th century social mores – and hopefully an object that sparks fresh reflections today.