Cup and Saucer c. 1779

This cup and saucer, now at the Art Institute of Chicago, was produced by the Porzellanmanufaktur Frankenthal. These delicate objects offer us a glimpse into the 18th century and the social rituals of the time. Think about the culture of elite sociability surrounding drinking tea or coffee. This wasn't just about refreshment; it was a performance of status. The painted motifs on the porcelain – drums, weaponry – may allude to military prowess and courtly life. These objects tell us a lot about the values of the patrons and consumers who bought them. To understand this cup and saucer, we can dig into historical records: trade inventories, social histories of the aristocracy, and studies of the porcelain industry itself. By looking at these sources, we can understand art's connection to the wider world.