Ontwerp voor de decoratie van een porseleinen bord van de fabriek van Alcora c. 1790

This design for a porcelain plate was created by Vicente Alvaro for the Alcora factory in Spain, sometime around the late 18th century. It gives us a glimpse into the world of decorative arts and manufacturing during that era. Factories like Alcora were not just places of production; they were also important cultural institutions. Design drawings such as this one would dictate not only the appearance of the final product, but also the tastes and aspirations of the consumers who purchased them. The delicate floral motifs and elegant curves reflect the influence of French Rococo style, which was highly fashionable among the European elite. The Alcora factory itself was a product of Bourbon economic policies aimed at creating luxury industries at home. By examining archival records and period publications, we can uncover the complex relationships between art, commerce, and social status in 18th-century Spain. These designs testify to the power of art to shape our everyday lives and reflect the values of its time.