Plate 19th century

This plate was made by Edmé Samson in France, though its precise date is unknown. Samson was a 19th-century ceramicist known for his high-quality reproductions of historical styles. Looking closely, you can see the floral decorations and delicate scalloped edge, which echo 18th-century designs, particularly those of Meissen or Sèvres. In the 19th century, there was a growing fascination with historical styles, fueled by expanding museums and the art market. Samson capitalized on this trend, creating pieces that catered to collectors and institutions seeking to fill gaps in their collections. Studying pieces like this involves understanding not just artistic skill but also the commercial and cultural forces at play. We can ask questions like, how did the rise of industrial production affect the value of handmade items? How did museums shape public taste and collecting habits? Researching auction records, museum catalogs, and period advertisements can reveal much about the social life of art objects like this plate.