Three Footed Tray 1774 - 1775

Curator: Here we have a piece of functional art: William Davie's "Three Footed Tray" held in the collections of the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has such a somber stillness about it, doesn’t it? The polished surface and circular form create a captivating sense of balance. Curator: Indeed. Note the meticulous craftsmanship in the twisted rim and the delicate feet, each contributing to the tray's formal elegance. The silver gives it a subtle reflective quality. Editor: I find myself thinking about the lives it might have served. Perhaps it was used to present tea to suffragettes strategizing for the vote or maybe it supported brandy snifters during a tense negotiation. Curator: While your interpretation is fascinating, I'm drawn to the subtle interplay of light and shadow on its surface. The monogram in the center creates a focal point, a visual anchor in the composition. Editor: It’s a reminder that even the most functional objects carry stories of social rituals, class, and gender. The tray speaks volumes about its role in a domestic power dynamic. Curator: It's a testament to the power of form and material; Davie's tray possesses an enduring appeal outside of its function. Editor: Perhaps. But its true value lies in its potential to illuminate aspects of material culture.