Cup 1774 - 1814

Editor: Here we have a delicate porcelain cup, manufactured by Meissen. I’m struck by its small size and the hand-painted floral decorations. What does this object tell us about its time? Curator: Meissen porcelain was highly prized. Owning such delicate objects signaled wealth and refinement. How do you think the imagery on the cup served a social function? Editor: Perhaps it was about showing off good taste, aligning oneself with a certain aesthetic or social class. Curator: Exactly! The cup becomes more than just a vessel; it’s a statement within a complex social tapestry. Editor: That really changes how I see it. Curator: Indeed, art serves a purpose in society and contributes to culture.