Saucer with a man and mule in a landscape c. 1775 - 1799

This delicate saucer, depicting a man and mule in a landscape, was made by Fabriek Dominique Denuelle. Its porcelain body is painted in grisaille, a style emulating monochrome engravings, with gilded details around the rim. Porcelain production, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries, was a complex and highly skilled process. From sourcing the finest kaolin clay, to expertly firing the pieces, and applying intricate decorations, it demanded a well-organized workshop and specialized labor. The grisaille technique seen here, requiring precise brushwork, would have been executed by a trained painter. Consider how this saucer would have been used, likely for enjoying a costly beverage like coffee or tea. Its very existence speaks to a culture of trade, consumption, and social display. The artistry and labor embedded in this object remind us of the many hands involved in bringing luxury goods into being. When we appreciate this saucer, we acknowledge not only its aesthetic qualities, but also its complex social and economic context.