Lampetkan met reliëf before 1883

This is a photograph of a lampetkan with relief made by Emile Aubry, though the exact date of its creation is unknown. These types of jugs were often used for water or wine in wealthy European households. In France during the 19th century, the middle class grew, and so did their desire for luxury items. Artists and manufacturers responded by producing decorative objects that imitated the styles of previous eras, like the Renaissance. Aubry’s lampetkan is a perfect example of this trend, which sought to evoke the grandeur of the past in a way that affirmed the tastes and values of the present. Art historians can consult design catalogs, trade publications, and exhibition reviews to learn more about the production and consumption of decorative arts. By understanding the social and economic context in which art is made, we can appreciate its complex relationship to the culture of its time.