Two sweetmeat dishes 1745 - 1765

These sweetmeat dishes were made by the Doccia Porcelain Manufactory between 1737 and 1896. The porcelain dishes present an intriguing intersection of opulence and objectification, reflective of their time. During the period of their creation, the Rococo era, European society was marked by elaborate displays of wealth and power. At this time, aristocratic patronage heavily influenced artistic production, and artists often catered to the desires and fantasies of their wealthy clients. The central figure of a woman emerging from the shell subverts traditional representation by placing a female form as merely ornamental. The dishes serve as a reflection of the complex dynamics between gender, class, and artistic expression in the 18th and 19th centuries. They prompt us to reflect on the objectification of women and the ways in which art can perpetuate or challenge societal norms. How do these dishes, designed for sweet treats, leave a bitter taste when we consider the woman’s position?