Bowl with cover 1767 - 1798

This bowl with cover was made by Sceaux, and is now located in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The monochromatic scene on this covered bowl offers a glimpse into the intersection of nature, art, and society, particularly in the context of the 18th century. As you observe the detailed rendering of the birds and foliage, consider the prevailing cultural attitudes towards nature during the period it was made. The bowl could be seen as a celebration of the natural world, or a reflection of a desire to dominate and control it, mirroring broader colonial ambitions. How did gender roles influence this piece? Was the artist male or female, and how might that have shaped the choice of imagery and the overall design? This artwork encourages us to reflect on the ways in which art objects can both reflect and shape our understanding of the world.