Cup and Saucer c. 1780

This delicate cup and saucer were made by the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres. The fine porcelain and elegant design exemplify the luxury goods that were highly prized in eighteenth-century Europe. The Sèvres factory was a royal enterprise, closely tied to the court of Louis XV in France. The elaborate decoration of these objects, from the gilded surfaces to the hand-painted floral motifs, reflects the wealth and artistry associated with the French monarchy. The patronage of the royal court shaped the production and aesthetic of Sèvres porcelain, which was intended for an aristocratic clientele. The cup and saucer represent the refinement of French taste and the opulence of courtly life. To fully understand the social context of this cup and saucer, we might consult archival records of the Sèvres factory, inventories of aristocratic collections, and studies of eighteenth-century French society. These resources help us appreciate the complex interplay of art, power, and social status in the creation and reception of luxury goods.