Plate (one of six) 1885 - 1899

This is one of six Meissen porcelain plates, each about eight and a half inches in diameter. They were produced in Germany during the 18th century. The Meissen manufactory was the first to discover the secret of making hard-paste porcelain outside of China, a discovery that was initiated by the state. European royalty went wild for porcelain in the 1700s, and Meissen dominated the luxury market. The decoration on these plates evokes a sense of leisure and aristocratic life. They are an ideal illustration of the Rococo aesthetic with lighthearted scenes of romantic encounters. The black and white palette is unusual, and was likely added later in the early 19th century. Art historians often consider the economic and political conditions that shape artistic production. In this case, the close relationship between the Meissen manufactory and the royal court is key to understanding the plate’s meaning.