Dish with cover and liner 1774 - 1776

This silver dish with cover and liner was made by Jacques-Nicolas Roettiers, a master silversmith in 18th-century France. It encapsulates the opulence of the French court prior to the revolution. Consider the social conditions that shaped its production. Silverware like this was not merely functional; it symbolized wealth, status, and power. The aristocracy used such pieces to assert their dominance in elaborate dining rituals. The design, with its neoclassical motifs and meticulous detailing, reflects the prevailing artistic tastes of the time. The dish offers insights into the institutional structures supporting artists like Roettiers. Commissioned by wealthy patrons or the royal family, these artisans operated within a system of patronage that dictated their creative output. Historical records, such as guild archives and royal inventories, provide a fuller picture of the networks and economic forces that underpinned the creation of luxury goods during this period. By examining such sources, we can better appreciate the complex social and economic context in which this exquisite dish was made.