Woman with flowers 1775 - 1785

This is ‘Woman with Flowers,’ a porcelain figure created by the Limbach Porcelain Manufactory, which was active from the late 18th to the early 20th century. During this period, porcelain figures became popular as decorative objects in aristocratic and bourgeois homes. Often, these figurines perpetuated notions of class, gender, and social roles. This figure, with her elaborate dress and delicate features, suggests an idealized vision of womanhood and femininity, which contrasted sharply with the lived experiences of most women. The attention to detail in her attire, from the floral patterns to the laced bodice, speaks to the emphasis placed on outward appearances, and how these can be used to signal social status. Consider how the figure's posture—head tilted upward—might suggest an air of refinement, a studied disinterest, or perhaps, a yearning for something beyond her reach. This piece invites us to reflect on the constraints and expectations placed on women, and the performative aspects of identity and class during the time it was made.