Cruet-stand with cruets 1783 - 1793

This cruet-stand with cruets was made by Levavasseur, likely in France. The cruet set speaks volumes about the rituals and social structures of dining in the 18th century. With its delicate glass and ornate stand, this cruet set was a staple in aristocratic dining. It reflects the importance of presentation and etiquette among the wealthy, in a society marked by rigid class divisions. Cruets were indispensable tools for flavouring food, a sign of culinary refinement. Today, understanding this cruet set involves exploring the visual language of status and luxury, as well as consulting historical records, etiquette manuals, and accounts of 18th-century dining practices. Each detail tells us about the culture of consumption and display that defined aristocratic life in France.