Schotel met jagers, n. Tempesta 1690 - 1715

This faience plate depicting a hunting scene was made in Saint-Jean-du-Désert. The scene is a copy of an etching by the Baroque artist, Antonio Tempesta. Its cultural context lies in the fashion for Italian art, spread through reproductive prints. By copying it onto a utilitarian object like a plate, the artist is bringing high art to a wider audience. The plate’s circular shape and decorative border serve to frame the hunting scene, making it appear as a window onto another world. In 17th-century Europe, hunting was often associated with the aristocracy and landed gentry. By depicting this activity on a plate, the artist may be commenting on social class and the distribution of wealth. Art historians might consult print collections and archival records to investigate the specific context in which this plate was produced. Understanding the social and institutional context in which art is made, helps us to better understand its meaning and significance.