Cup 1740 - 1750

This porcelain cup and saucer, made by the Meissen Manufactory, presents idealized pastoral scenes, motifs steeped in cultural and historical significance. Note the central image of lovers amidst lush foliage. This scene is evocative of the "Arcadian" ideal, a visual symbol that stretches back to classical antiquity, representing a harmonious existence amidst nature. We see echoes of this longing in Renaissance paintings, such as Giorgione’s "Sleeping Venus." The pastoral motif evolves into a symbol for courtly love in later centuries, reappearing in French Rococo paintings like Fragonard's "The Swing" where nature serves as a backdrop for romantic intrigues. These recurring landscapes speak to the psychological human need for respite and escape, a longing that resonates deeply within our collective memory, and reappears in various guises throughout history. As you observe this cup, consider how these images have evolved over time, reflecting our changing relationship with nature and the human heart.