Coffeepot 1755 - 1775

This porcelain coffeepot, standing at 7 1/4 inches, was made by the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory sometime after 1747. The imagery on its surface offers a glimpse into the social hierarchies of its time. The painted scenes suggest a narrative, perhaps romantic or even heroic, depicting figures in what appears to be a rural setting. It reflects the 18th-century European fascination with the pastoral and an idealized view of country life. The existence of the manufactory itself speaks to the economic structures of the time, where artisanal production was often tied to aristocratic patronage or emerging market economies. The coffeepot, a luxury item, would have been destined for the tables of the wealthy. Understanding the social conditions that shaped its creation requires that we delve into archival materials and comparative studies of similar objects. This helps us decode its historical context. The meaning of this coffeepot lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in its embeddedness within a specific social and institutional landscape.