Plate 1735 - 1745

This plate was made by the Meissen Manufactory. While we don’t know the exact date of its creation, the manufactory was established in 1710, marking a transformative period for European ceramics. At a time when porcelain was called “white gold,” only the elite could afford such luxury. As you look at the plate, consider the social hierarchy it implies. How does owning such an object set someone apart? Notice the two cherubic figures playing with what appears to be a dog. These figures, rendered in a classical style, evoke a sense of innocence and carefree abandon, which would have resonated with the aristocratic patrons of Meissen. The elaborate floral and decorative motifs, meticulously hand-painted, speak to the skill of the artisans and the aesthetic preferences of the era. Does this plate maintain traditional representations of wealth and status, or does it suggest new, alternative narratives? These objects tell stories of their time, of power, artistry, and the pursuit of beauty.