Saucer with floral scrolls and ribbons c. 1763 - 1791

This is a faience saucer, made in Zürich, though its date is unknown. Floral scrolls and ribbons define its Rococo design, a style embraced across Europe in the 18th century. Such delicate objects speak to the rise of a wealthy merchant class eager to emulate aristocratic taste. The floral motifs weren't just decorative. They were visual cues associated with luxury, leisure, and refinement. Notably, Zurich's economic landscape, transitioning from agriculture to trade, fuelled the demand for these status symbols. This saucer is a reflection of that societal shift, marking a departure from older, more rigid class structures. The absence of a known maker highlights how the institution of art history has often overlooked the contributions of artisans. We might consult archival records or guild documents to uncover the workshops and hands involved in its creation, understanding art as a product of its social and institutional context.