Saucer with a strategic map of the Battle of Leipzig c. 1813 - 1820

This porcelain saucer with a strategic map of the Battle of Leipzig was made by the Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur, though the exact date is unknown. This isn’t just a plate; it's a political statement, a commemorative object produced in Prussia. In 1813, the Battle of Leipzig marked a turning point in the Napoleonic Wars, signaling the decline of French power and the rise of nationalism in Europe. The map, rendered in meticulous detail, serves as a visual representation of Prussian military prowess. The use of porcelain is significant, too. The Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur was a royal institution, closely tied to the Prussian state. By depicting a military victory on a piece of porcelain, the institution infused a domestic object with nationalistic fervor, celebrating the battle and solidifying Prussian identity. Historical accounts, military records, and studies of Prussian nationalism can provide further insight into the object’s cultural significance. Through careful examination, the saucer illuminates the complex relationship between art, power, and national identity in 19th-century Europe.