Kop, beschilderd met bloemtakken c. 1778 - 1782

Here is the audio guide script: This delicate teacup, painted with floral motifs, was crafted in Loosdrecht. The cup and saucer present a study in the interplay between form and decoration. The smooth, white porcelain provides a pristine canvas for the fluid brushstrokes of rust-colored and blue blossoms. Notice how the floral patterns are not merely decorative. They interact with the form of the cup, enhancing its curvature and depth. The contrast between the hard, manufactured porcelain and the soft, organic floral patterns destabilizes the traditional boundaries between art and industry. The semiotic system at play is fascinating. The cup and saucer, objects of daily life, are elevated through artistic rendering. This tension between utility and aesthetics invites us to question the value we place on art. The gilded rim adds another layer, highlighting its status. Consider how this piece challenges our understanding of value and beauty. Is it in the material, the craftsmanship, or the artistry? It's a question that continues to resonate today.