Swan 1750 - 1760

This porcelain swan was produced by the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory, sometime between 1744 and 1784. It exemplifies the rococo style then in vogue, which often featured whimsical subject matter. But beyond its charm, this object speaks to the larger context of eighteenth-century production. The Chelsea factory was known for its high-quality, luxury wares. Porcelain production was complex, involving many stages from mixing the clay to painting the details. The swan's delicate modeling and carefully applied colors demonstrate the division of labor. Despite its small size, the swan represents significant value. Pieces like this would have been costly, intended for display in wealthy homes. They testify to the intense manufacturing activity, and the consumerism, that characterized the era. So, consider this swan not just as a pretty bauble, but as a sign of its times, connecting aesthetics and the economics of production.