Kannen van steengoed, plaat V 1827 - 1829

Charles Onghena made this lithograph print called 'Kannen van steengoed, plaat V'. Onghena was a Belgian artist in the 19th century, a period defined by burgeoning industrialization, nationalism, and colonialism. His detailed depiction of stoneware jugs provides insight into the cultural values attached to functional objects. These were times when the decorative arts were increasingly accessible to a broader public. Consider the jugs themselves: stoneware often reflects societal status and aspiration. They are embellished with classical motifs and heraldic symbols, echoing the aesthetics of aristocracy even as they were becoming commonplace. Details such as handles shaped as lion heads are of interest. What do they tell us about the intersection of art and social identity? These jugs, carefully rendered, invite us to reflect on the intimate relationship between everyday objects and cultural identity.