Cup from a tea service for twelve 1807 - 1808

This is a porcelain cup from a tea service for twelve made by Christophe-Ferdinand Caron. The cup presents a seamless blend of form and decoration. The eye is immediately drawn to the cup’s flared shape, a subtle deviation from a straight cylinder. This shape is repeated in the concentric circles of the golden rim and base, which bring a sense of unity to the piece. The landscape scene, painted with delicate precision, wraps around the cup and depicts an eagle capturing its prey. This scene provides a stark contrast, juxtaposing images of nature and civilization, and raising questions about domination. Ultimately, the cup's aesthetic appeal lies in its synthesis of shape, color, and image, as well as how it destabilizes established meanings of luxury and power, inviting ongoing interpretation.