Cup and Saucer 1839 - 1840

This delicate cup and saucer were made by the Sèvres porcelain manufactory in France. Sèvres was, in its day, a leading producer of porcelain for the royal family and the aristocracy. Looking at the neoclassical motifs of laurel leaves, medallions, and gilded surfaces, one could ask what this object reveals about the political and social climate of its time. It's interesting to note the cultural references and historical associations, especially considering the French Revolution's impact on social structures. The cup and saucer, in their design, embody both luxury and a nod to classical ideals. How might such an object have been viewed, or used, during times of social upheaval? To understand its place in history, one might look at the archives of the Sèvres manufactory, delving into the social conditions that shaped its production. The meaning of this cup and saucer is contingent on its institutional context and its relationship to broader social and political forces.