Dish with cover and liner 1775 - 1776

This dish with cover and liner was made in France in the 1700s by Jacques-Nicolas Roettiers out of silver. Roettiers came from a long line of goldsmiths and he became the official goldsmith to King Louis XV in 1771, and the design of this silver dish reflects the opulence of the French court. This was an era where artistry became synonymous with conveying social status. The delicate floral wreaths and the meticulously etched patterns speak to a culture deeply invested in luxury and display. Objects like these weren't just functional; they were potent symbols of power and wealth, reflecting the social hierarchies of the time. To truly understand this piece, we delve into the archives and the records of the guilds, exploring the economic structures that allowed such artistry to flourish. The history of this dish provides a window into the social world of 18th-century France.