Plate 1740 - 1750

This plate was made by the Meissen Manufactory in Germany, a leading producer of European porcelain. The scene of a hunting dog in pursuit of game, rendered in delicate purple monochrome, speaks to the aristocratic culture of the hunt in 18th century Europe. Tableware like this reflected the refinement and leisure of the elite classes who commissioned and used it. Meissen, established under royal patronage, played a crucial role in shaping European artistic tastes. The crossed swords mark on the bottom signifies its prestigious status, its products were highly sought after symbols of wealth and social standing. The plate, in effect, performs the social function of communicating the status of its owner. To understand the deeper meanings of this plate, one might consult historical records of the Meissen factory, inventories of aristocratic households, and treatises on courtly manners. These resources can reveal the social life of objects like this, making it come alive as a window into a bygone era.