Cup from a tea service for twelve 1807 - 1808

Editor: Here we have a porcelain cup, dating from 1807-1808, part of a tea service for twelve, made by Christophe-Ferdinand Caron. It’s surprisingly… whimsical, with this painting of a monkey riding a dolphin! What can you tell me about it? Curator: The whimsical nature of this cup is precisely where we begin. Consider the historical context. France, at this time, was deeply involved in colonial exploits. These "exotic" images, often filtered through a European lens, were popular. What do you think about the positioning of the monkey as a rider atop the dolphin? Editor: I guess it seems like it could perpetuate a colonial power dynamic…the human-like monkey is controlling the powerful dolphin. Curator: Exactly. And beyond a simple power dynamic, we might question what that dolphin signifies. Is it simply a creature, or is it representative of cultures subjugated by European powers? What does it mean to present that domination on something as seemingly harmless as a teacup? How does the artist engage, consciously or unconsciously, with the philosophical debates about the subjugation of colonized people? Editor: So, it's not just a cute picture; it reflects broader societal issues and problematic ideologies present during that time. The everyday object then becomes a symbol of something much larger. Curator: Precisely. Reflecting on this cup allows us to confront uncomfortable truths about history, how colonial power was ingrained in everyday life and aesthetic choices, and how objects can be encoded with ideology. What do you make of that? Editor: I hadn't considered how even seemingly harmless objects like this could be tools for spreading such loaded messages! I definitely see this teacup in a new, and more critical, light now.