Tureen and stand c. 1778 - 1782

This elegant tureen and stand were made in Loosdrecht, near Amsterdam. Though undated, it reflects the fashion for refined porcelain that swept Europe in the 18th century. At this time, the Dutch Republic was a major center for trade. The wealthy merchant classes flaunted their access to global goods, including fine ceramics. Factories like the one in Loosdrecht sprang up to meet this demand, imitating luxury imports from China and elsewhere. Note the delicate garlands and ribbons painted on the stand: these motifs speak to a culture of bourgeois display. The production of porcelain was itself tied to developing social structures. It relied on the patronage of elites and the skilled labor of artisans. By studying factory records, we can learn more about these individuals and the economics of artistic production in the Netherlands during this era.