The Art of the Conversation Piece

In advance of my forthcoming consideration of Quentin Tarantino's films as conversation pieces (including Inglourious Basterds), I bring you the opening section, about the art of the conversation piece, removed from the final product at the suggestion of my editor.

"That’s an interesting conversation piece" is a common expression, often used when speaking about an inanimate object; an inanimate object with an unusual history, or back story.  But, the origin of the term, conversation piece, actually dates back to the seventeenth century, when artists expanded the scope of portrait painting, by depicting several people gathered together in conversation (usually in a pastoral setting).  17th century art patrons must surely have felt inspired by the portraits; letting their imaginations run wild; examining the settings and locations; studying the people who populate them; and wondering what they're talking about.  In turn, the art of the conversation piece undoubtedly sparked actual conversation; leading those inspired and moved by the portraits to seek out fellow art patrons, as well as family and friends; to talk about these works of art; to carry on in-depth conversations about the paintings they saw, paintings of conversations.