Etagere with bouquets and flower sprays c. 1839

This is an etagere with bouquets and flower sprays, made by the Fabriek Dominique Denuelle. In a time when societal roles were strictly defined, the creation and appreciation of decorative arts like this etagere was often associated with the feminine sphere. Objects like these played a significant role in the rituals of bourgeois life, reflecting both status and taste. Each delicate flower on this porcelain piece tells a story, not only of aesthetic beauty, but also of the complex social dynamics of its time. The floral designs, while seemingly innocuous, were carefully chosen and arranged, echoing the language of flowers prevalent in the 19th century, where specific blooms conveyed hidden messages and sentiments. This tradition, largely embraced by women, allowed for subtle expressions within the confines of societal norms. Consider how the artist, in creating this piece, might have been both celebrating and subtly subverting these expectations, intertwining personal expression with the conventions of a decorative object.