Saucer with insects, flower sprays and grapevines c. 1797 - 1798

This saucer, decorated with insects, flower sprays, and grapevines, was crafted by Rue Thiroux Parijs. The imagery here is not simply decorative. In the Dutch Republic, the detailed rendering of flora and fauna often carried symbolic weight. Insects, for example, could represent transformation, diligence, or even the fleeting nature of life. This period saw the rise of scientific observation, with artists contributing to the documentation of the natural world. The level of detail suggests a patron with a keen interest in natural history, reflecting the growing influence of scientific societies and botanical gardens. The choice of porcelain itself speaks to global trade networks and the dissemination of luxury goods. To fully understand the context of this piece, we might turn to period publications on natural history, records of trade routes, and studies of Dutch social customs. The meaning of this art object is deeply interwoven with its social and institutional context.