Deksel van roompot, beschilderd met bloem- en bladtakken c. 1774 - 1778

This is a lid for a cream pot, made in Loosdrecht, likely during the 18th century, and painted with floral and leafy branches. Such objects offer a window into the social history of the Netherlands and the evolving rituals around dining and hospitality. The delicate floral motifs, rendered in shades of purple, reflect the influence of French decorative arts, a dominant cultural force among the European elites. Loosdrecht porcelain, produced by a relatively short-lived factory, catered to the tastes of the Dutch bourgeoisie eager to emulate aristocratic lifestyles. The creation and consumption of such items were also closely tied to the Dutch East India Company's trade routes, which brought exotic goods and artistic styles to Europe. By examining probate inventories, trade records, and the factory's archives, one can uncover the social networks and economic conditions that shaped its production. The museum becomes, in this context, an institution that not only displays art, but also invites us to examine the interplay between art, commerce, and social aspiration.