Cup (part of a service) 1765 - 1775

This cup was created as part of a service by the Frankenthal Porcelain Manufactory. Founded in 1755, the Manufactory was a product of the 18th century fashion for porcelain, and the desire of European rulers to emulate the success of Chinese porcelain. Such industries always depended on state or aristocratic patronage. The Manufactory’s pieces were luxury goods, designed for use in the elaborate rituals of courtly life. Note the naturalistic motifs. The birds and plants may seem innocent enough, but in the context of courtly culture they spoke of wealth, leisure, and refinement. As art historians, we look at the archives of these manufactories to understand the social networks behind these objects. Who were the patrons? Who were the artists? How were these objects used? These are the kinds of questions that help us understand the place of art in society.