Schotel 1777 - 1790

This plate was made by the Porseleinfabriek Den Haag, and resides here at the Rijksmuseum. The central image presents us with a rural scene: a figure stands before two simple buildings beneath a copse of trees. These kinds of images were widespread in the Netherlands at a time when the country was struggling to define itself as a modern nation and, like many contemporary works, it reflects a yearning for a simpler, more traditional way of life, a world away from the burgeoning cities of the region. Plates such as this were often commissioned as gifts to be presented to visiting dignitaries or important clients, promoting a particular vision of the country as stable, rural, and calm. As historians we can look at these artworks and unpick the many cultural, social, and economic factors that underpinned their production. By consulting archives, historical documents, and other sources we can begin to appreciate the role of art in shaping national identity.