Pitcher and stand 1720 - 1735

Editor: So, this is "Pitcher and Stand," crafted sometime between 1720 and 1735 by the Meissen Manufactory. It’s porcelain. I'm really drawn to the delicacy of the floral design. It feels very… Rococo. What stands out to you? Curator: The placement of symbols speaks volumes here. Look at the "AR" monogram, surmounted by a crown, emblazoned on the pitcher. Who do you think "AR" represents, and what is the emotional effect of that symbol of royalty dominating the image? Editor: It would be Augustus Rex, I presume, so a declaration of power and patronage, right? The crown definitely reinforces that. It feels quite explicit in its messaging. Curator: Precisely. Now, consider the floral motifs, interspersed around the monarch's stamp and delicately arranged on the stand. How do these naturalistic elements soften or complicate the symbol of absolute power, particularly within the Baroque context? Editor: Hmm… I guess they create a sense of luxury, maybe? They hint at the refined tastes and the cultivated lifestyle associated with the aristocracy, and suggest this is for…delicate pursuits. Curator: And look at the way the handle is shaped, mirroring the flow of water, while the plate itself is remarkably shallow, reflecting water containment. Water, of course, has always symbolised purity and transience. Why bring these particular natural forces together here? Editor: I hadn't considered water. It's like these images were deliberately used to imbue meaning, status, a sensibility to the pitcher... to communicate specific values and ideas in Baroque society. Curator: Exactly. Notice that each image works as both emblem and memory prompt. The piece then goes beyond decoration. We're touching the very roots of cultural aspiration! Editor: I see what you mean; it's like each visual element carries layers of significance! I thought I understood symbolism, but now I recognize its power. Thanks.