Schotel 1775

This saucer was crafted in Loosdrecht, likely in the late 18th century, out of delicate porcelain. The purple decoration on the plate depicts a lone fisherman carrying his net. This image offers a window into the economic and social life of the Netherlands during that period. Fishing was not just a pastime, but a crucial source of food and income for many. The plate’s existence points to the rise of a wealthy merchant class, eager to display its status through refined household items. The Loosdrecht porcelain factory itself was an institution shaped by the economic conditions of the time. It was founded to compete with foreign porcelain imports and cater to this growing demand for luxury goods. Understanding this plate requires looking beyond its surface. Researching period documents, such as trade records and factory archives, can reveal the complex interplay of social class, economic forces, and artistic production that shaped its creation. By doing so, we can see how even a simple image on a plate can tell a larger story about the culture and institutions of its time.