Condiment jar (one of a pair), with figure symbolizing Summer 1745 - 1760

This condiment jar, paired with another symbolizing Winter, was produced by the Höchst Manufactory in the latter half of the 18th century. As courtly dining became a more elaborate ritual, porcelain manufactories across Europe produced tableware of the highest refinement. Established under the patronage of the Prince-Archbishop of Mainz, the Höchst Manufactory sought to emulate the success of Meissen, but its financial footing was always precarious. The rise of factories like Höchst created new opportunities for artists and artisans. The figure of Summer atop the jar is an allegory of the season but also a marker of social status. It implies that the owner of the jar is a wealthy person and that they appreciate beauty and refinement. Careful research into the archives of the Höchst Manufactory and related institutions can help us understand the economics and hierarchies of the luxury goods market in 18th century Germany. Approaching art history in this way helps us to see how art is shaped by social and economic forces.