Plate 1800 - 1825

This plate was made by the Montereau Pottery, active between 1774 and 1840. The print shows a lion, a monkey, and two donkeys. The animal fable tradition, which this plate participates in, served as a way to reflect on society, often through satire. These weren't just children's stories; they offered coded commentary on power, morality, and the human condition. One can imagine how the artists might see the French aristocracy reflected in the figure of the lion. What power dynamics are at play in this scene? Is the monkey a jester, a wise counselor, or something else? These images, decorating everyday objects, brought these allegories into people's homes, inviting consideration of the world. It’s easy to forget that what we consider ‘craft’ or ‘decorative art’ can also act as a carrier for complex social and political ideas.