Wineglass Cooler 1758

Curator: This is a porcelain Wineglass Cooler crafted in 1758 by the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres, now held at the Art Institute of Chicago. Editor: It's dainty! The Rococo ornamentation gives it such an elegant and delicate appearance. The scalloped edge and floral garlands practically sing of carefree indulgence. Curator: Indeed, Sèvres was at the forefront of luxury porcelain production, closely tied to the French court and aristocratic taste. Pieces like this would have signified refinement and status. Can you see how its placement at court served as propaganda? Editor: I do. The composition is deceptively simple. The garlands form a perfect symmetry around the bowl, even with the variations in the flower arrangements, which, themselves, follow natural asymmetrical patterns. And look how that thin blue and gold lining defines the shape against its whiteness. Curator: Absolutely. These seemingly frivolous objects served a very specific function, reinforcing social hierarchies and displays of wealth. What's more, the very creation of Sèvres itself served as an emblem of French national pride, rivaling porcelain production in England. Editor: I understand it politically. Still, let's not forget that they were, indeed, artisans who produced objects like this wineglass cooler. The hand-painted details bring a human scale to it. Curator: I suppose it's also worth mentioning the changing roles of museums themselves in these perceptions, and what is even presented to the public... Editor: No matter the forces at play, there is no denying its beauty in detail! Curator: Well, I see why one might still take joy from its decoration despite all that. Editor: So we've moved through structure and historical and social forces...a beautiful confluence of form and function.