Suikerpot c. 1830 - 1850

This is a sketch for a covered sugar bowl, or "Suikerpot", made by Firma Feuchère. Reflect on the history of sugar. It started as a rare luxury, but the demand for it fueled the transatlantic slave trade and shaped colonial economies. By the time sugar became a staple, it carried the weight of exploitation and profound human suffering. Consider how this bowl, with its classical motifs and cherubic figures, embodies the opulence made possible by such brutal conditions. The elaborate design, likely intended for a wealthy household, speaks to the social stratification inherent in the sugar trade, where only a few could afford to indulge. This sketch invites us to consider the complex narratives embedded in everyday objects, revealing the intersections of commerce, colonialism, and consumption. While seemingly innocuous, it serves as a potent reminder of the dark underbelly of luxury.