Sugar bowl with cover 1779 - 1780

This sugar bowl with cover was made by Jacques Favre, a French silversmith, during a period of intense social and political upheaval. While the object itself exudes luxury and refinement, it's important to remember the historical context in which it was produced: The late 18th century was a time of stark inequality. This bowl, with its delicate garlands and strawberry finial, speaks to the opulent lifestyle of the French aristocracy. Yet the sugar it would have held represents a darker side of this era. Sugar production was fueled by the transatlantic slave trade, which violently exploited enslaved Africans. A piece like this forces us to confront the uncomfortable truths about the sources of wealth and privilege in this period. It is a bitter sweetness we must contemplate. While the sugar bowl may appear to be a simple, decorative object, it carries a complex history. It invites us to consider the relationship between beauty, power, and social justice.