Plate 1770 - 1800

This plate was made by Pierrette Caudelot Perrin in France around the late 18th century from hard-paste porcelain. The delicate, reticulated border and hand-painted portrait speak to the expertise required to produce such an object. Porcelain was a highly desirable commodity at this time, and its production was a closely guarded secret. The process involved a complex combination of materials and firing techniques, demanding skilled labor and specialized workshops. The plate's decorative elements, from the intricate border to the fashionable portrait, reflect the tastes of the wealthy elite who consumed these luxury items. Such wares were often made in multiples, for service in the homes of the upper class. These objects are inextricably linked to the history of European production, trade, and consumption. Considering this plate through the lens of materials, making, and social context allows us to appreciate its full significance, challenging the traditional distinctions between decorative art and fine art.