Kop met schotel en een parfumfles before 1884

This photograph of a cup with saucer and perfume bottle was made by Lemercier & Cie. It gives us a glimpse into the collecting practices of the elite. The objects are placed in a hierarchical stack. This photograph reflects a society deeply structured by class distinctions, and the act of collecting, showcasing, and preserving such items speaks volumes about power, taste, and social aspiration. The perfume bottle, a subtle nod to personal adornment, hints at the gendered rituals of beauty and presentation expected within aristocratic circles. These are not just inanimate objects; they are cultural artifacts imbued with the values, desires, and social dynamics of their time. This photograph encapsulates the intersection of art, identity, and social hierarchy, inviting us to reflect on the stories these objects tell about the society that cherished them.