Gevleugelde figuur met een kan op een dienblad 1820

This line drawing of a winged figure with a jug on a tray was made by Elisabeth Kemper in the first half of the 19th century. The delicate lines, executed with pen and ink, reveal the artist's careful attention to detail, particularly in the drapery and the figure's flowing hair. Kemper has adopted a Neoclassical style that recalls imagery seen on pottery, particularly porcelain. In this period, the rise of industrial manufacturing made luxury goods like porcelain more widely accessible, and their refined aesthetic permeated popular culture. While Kemper's drawing may seem far removed from the factory floor, it reflects a broader social and economic context. The act of drawing, often seen as a genteel pastime, also served as a means of engaging with and interpreting the changing material world. By studying the techniques and processes of production, we can better understand the artwork's significance and challenge traditional distinctions between art and craft.