Europe 1760 - 1770

This is "Europe," made at the Frankenthal Porcelain Manufactory. The figure is made of hard-paste porcelain, a material whose whiteness and ability to take fine detail made it ideal for elaborate decorative objects. The figure’s complex shape, undercuts, and thin details required a multi-part mold, demanding expert craftsmanship. Once fired, the figure would have been painted by hand. Note the careful rendering of the woman’s face, the details of her dress, and the gilding around the vase. The high level of skill and artistry is evident in every aspect of the object, reflecting not only the artistic vision but the social conditions of its production, and the division of labor involved in creating it. This piece speaks to the complex relationship between fine art and craft. It challenges us to consider the value of skilled labor and the artistic merit of objects made in a factory setting.