Plate 1885 - 1912

Editor: Here we have William De Morgan's 'Plate,' crafted between 1885 and 1912, now housed at the Met. It’s a striking ceramic piece; the intricate, stylized birds immediately catch the eye. How do we interpret this work through its historical context? Curator: Absolutely. Considering this plate hails from the Arts and Crafts movement, we can delve into its ethos. This movement championed handcrafted art as a reaction against industrialization. Does this commitment to artisanal labor then become a form of social critique? Editor: That’s an interesting point. So, the act of creating this plate by hand becomes almost a political statement? Curator: Precisely. De Morgan, as a member of the movement, likely saw mechanized production as dehumanizing. His ornate designs, featuring these almost mythical birds, harken back to pre-industrial aesthetics. In what ways might we connect these choices to questions of gender? Think about traditional associations of craft. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. Pottery, traditionally seen as 'women's work' in some cultures, is elevated here. The detailed work challenges the dismissive view of such crafts as less important, perhaps pushing back on those gendered artistic hierarchies? Curator: Yes, exactly. And look closer – the colors, the repeated patterns… They're not just decorative; they're statements of value. Do you think that the use of bird motifs may carry deeper connotations beyond the simply aesthetic? Editor: Perhaps birds as symbols of freedom or escape from the constraints of industrial society and even Victorian expectations? I am beginning to view this as a potent blend of art, social commentary, and even a quiet rebellion against established norms. Curator: Indeed, examining artworks like this plate through a contemporary lens of identity and social politics reveals profound depths. Editor: This conversation has changed the way I see the plate! I had no idea of all of the socio-political statements layered into what at first glance appears simply beautiful. Thank you!