Soup Plate 1771

This soup plate was made at the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres, a porcelain factory in France. Looking at this object, it’s easy to see how something as everyday as a plate could be used to reflect social status. The factory at Sèvres was supported by the French crown, and it specialized in luxury goods, catering to the tastes of the aristocracy. The delicate floral designs, the gold trim, and the personalized monogram in the center all speak to wealth and privilege. It suggests a culture of refinement and elaborate dining rituals, reflecting a highly structured society. Understanding the art of the past requires understanding the social and institutional histories that shaped it. By consulting historical records, such as factory archives and social histories of dining, we can understand the complex relationships between art, power, and society.