Saucer 1715 - 1730

This porcelain saucer, made by the Meissen Manufactory, presents a stark contrast between luxury and conflict. Originating from a factory established in the early 18th century, during a period of European expansion and power struggles, this object embodies the complex relationship between artistry, wealth, and violence. The detailed monochrome scene depicts a battle, with soldiers on horseback amidst smoke and destruction. Here, the idealized representation of warfare on such a delicate item offers a glimpse into the cultural mindset of the elite. These objects acted as status symbols, speaking to the power and dominance of their owners, while perhaps remaining removed from the actual human cost of conflict. The scene and its display on a functional, domestic object invites us to consider how historical narratives are consumed and internalized. What does it mean to hold an image of war in one's hand, to drink from it, and to make it a part of daily life? This saucer serves as a potent reminder of how closely intertwined the beautiful and the brutal can be.