Cup with a prostitute and man in an interior c. 1775 - 1799

This delicate cup features a painted scene of a prostitute and a man in an interior, and was made by an anonymous artist. Without knowing the artist's identity, we can only speculate about the intention behind the artwork. During the time this cup was made, the dynamics of gender and class were often navigated through complex social rituals. Images of sex workers were commonplace, often reflecting societal attitudes towards women, morality, and the burgeoning market economy. The intimate setting depicted on the cup invites viewers to consider the power dynamics at play. Is it a scene of exploitation, negotiation, or perhaps even a moment of fleeting connection? The choice to depict such a scene on a domestic object raises questions about its intended audience and use. Does it serve as a cautionary tale, a titillating indulgence, or a commentary on the hypocrisy of social norms? The cup's small scale invites a personal and perhaps private contemplation of these themes, reflecting the complex interplay between public morality and private desires.