Schotel, beschilderd met een rivierlandschap met boerderijen en figuren before 1814

This shallow porcelain dish was painted by the Koninklijke Porseleinfabriek Dommer & Co. in the Netherlands. With its picturesque river landscape, it embodies the cultural values of its time. The image creates meaning through its visual codes, reflecting Dutch society and its relationship with the landscape. The scene evokes a sense of pastoral harmony, with idealized figures in a rural setting. In this period the Netherlands was a major economic power, and its art often reflected the values and aspirations of its merchant class, emphasizing themes of order, prosperity, and domesticity. Dutch art institutions played a role in shaping artistic production, supporting artists who catered to the tastes of their patrons. By examining archival records, historical documents, and period literature, we can uncover the social, economic, and cultural forces that shaped the creation and reception of this work. Ultimately, the meaning of this artwork is contingent on its social and institutional context.