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During the early medieval period, edible sugar sculptures, typically renditions of buildings, trees and animals, were created by artists for elaborate feasts in Egypt, Istanbul and Europe. Many of these table sculptures created a visual drama honoring the host or commemorating an event being celebrated; some were often simply conversation pieces. Historically, these sculptural works have been made for ceremonial purposes, as entertainment, gifts, and more often, to "show off" power and wealth. In many ways, these sculptures were quite similar in purpose and meaning to the artwork of the time; however, they were perishable. Marcia Reed, from the Getty’s exhibition, The Edible Monument, writes "Like soap bubbles and shooting stars, the ephemeral qualities of these perishable table sculptures made them seem even more precious".
This exhibition presents reproductions of drawings from these elaborate sugar sculptures. The purpose of the exhibition is to express not only their beauty and incredible craftsmanship, but also to explore the symbolic meaning. During feasts and celebrations, these conversation pieces were not only "feast for the eyes" but were also a thoughtful and enjoyable diversion between courses. Sugar sculpture tradition became more common as sugar became more accessible and cheaper. Eventually, sugar lost a lot of its novelty, prestige, and power by the 20th century. Wedding cakes grew out of this tradition in the 19th century; but today, rarely do wedding cakes have the same excitement and preciousness as they did in the 19th century. Currently, there is a revival of these elaborate, ornamental and beautiful cakes, as can be seen by Colleen Apte, Margaret Braun, James Carlin and other pastry chefs.
Other traditions of using sugar to create meaningful and beautiful confections still exists today in Japan and Mexico. The Japanese Wagashi confections and the Mexican Day of the Dead figures and skulls continue to evolve since their conception about 500 years ago.
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Ottoman Parade 17th century
Colleen Apte, 2005
Margaret Braun, 2004
James Carlin, 2004
Sugar figurines, Mexico, 2004
Japanese Confections |
