Bord 1750 - 1780

This is an undated ceramic plate made by De Porceleyne Byl, depicting an interior scene with figures rendered in blue against a white ground. Imagine yourself in 18th-century Netherlands, a society structured around social gatherings in intimate domestic settings, which provided women with a space to exert influence. Here, we see a group gathered around a table, possibly engaged in a game, while another figure sits by the fire reading. The details of their clothing and setting offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Dutch middle class. This piece, created during a period of Dutch economic and cultural flourishing, presents a window into a very specific world. What does this image, designed for daily use, tell us about the values, pastimes, and social structure of its time?