Saucer 1755 - 1765

This is a porcelain saucer made at the Real Fábrica del Buen Retiro, a royal factory in eighteenth-century Spain. The decoration depicts a scene of classical mythology, a popular theme across Europe at this time and an allusion to the power and sophistication of the royal court. Classical imagery resonated with those elites who had enjoyed a classical education, helping to reinforce the status of the aristocracy as the natural leaders of society. The scene itself shows Europa being abducted by Zeus in the guise of a bull, reflecting the cultural obsession with stories of power, desire and conquest. The factory itself was founded in the mid-eighteenth century by King Charles III, wanting to emulate the other great porcelain factories of Europe such as Sèvres in France and Meissen in Germany. As historians, we can examine factory records, designs and correspondence to better understand both the artistic processes behind the object and the social milieu in which it was produced. This saucer is not merely a pretty object, but a window into the values and ambitions of the Spanish monarchy.