Part of a tea service c. 1774 - 1778

This porcelain sugar bowl with lilac decoration, part of a tea service, was produced in Loosdrecht, the Netherlands. The bowl gives us a glimpse into the visual culture of the late 18th century, where pastoral scenes were highly fashionable. The image around the bowl depicts an idealized countryside, complete with a turreted building, trees and a labourer, all rendered in delicate lilac hues. These kinds of picturesque images gained popularity at a time of growing industrialisation and urbanisation. The rural scene represents an escape from the realities of modern life, presenting an idyllic vision of harmony and simplicity. As historians, we need to dig deeper into the context of such images. By studying period literature and design, we can understand better how social and economic transformations influenced artistic expression, and why the wealthy elite were so eager to consume these kinds of objects.