Plate with bouquets and flower sprays c. 1839

This plate with bouquets and flower sprays was created by Fabriek Dominique Denuelle. Plates like this one, adorned with delicate floral patterns, were often part of larger sets used by the bourgeoisie and aristocracy. Beyond their functional purpose, they speak volumes about the values and aspirations of the class that used them. In a time when access to luxury goods was a marker of status, owning such fine porcelain signaled wealth, taste, and a connection to broader cultural trends. Each brushstroke on this plate is imbued with the cultural significance of its time. Reflecting on the symbolism of flowers, the choice of blooms isn't accidental. It can be a coded language reflecting societal norms around beauty, gender, and even political allegiances. Plates such as this offer a glimpse into the lives and values of those who once gathered around tables set with such finery.