Plate c. 18th century

This porcelain plate was made by an anonymous artist, featuring delicate painted roses and a butterfly. Objects such as this offer us a glimpse into the social rituals of dining and display amongst the wealthy. Consider the context in which this plate would have been produced, most likely sometime in the 18th or 19th century. Porcelain was highly prized as an import from China. European manufacturers, particularly in France and England, sought to replicate its fineness and whiteness. The presence of this plate in the home signaled not only wealth, but also refined taste and an awareness of global trade networks. Were the roses painted from life or from botanical illustrations? The answer would tell us more about the artistic practices and knowledge sources of the time. Careful study of the plate’s design and production techniques can reveal much about the cultural values and economic systems that shaped its creation. Resources such as historical trade records, museum archives, and period publications can further illuminate the world from which it emerged.