Plate (one of a pair) 1757 - 1775

This plate, part of a pair, was crafted in Tournai, a region now in Belgium, using soft-paste porcelain. The scene in the center echoes the sensibilities of the era, presenting a pastoral image of figures in repose, surrounded by nature. Tournai, in the 18th century, was known for its porcelain factories that catered to the aristocratic and upper-middle classes. These wares weren't just functional; they were symbols of status. The imagery, often bucolic and romantic, reflected the values of leisure and refinement that were prized by the elite. The rise of porcelain manufactories like the one in Tournai can be understood in the context of the period's economic and social transformations, where luxury goods played an increasingly important role in signaling social standing. By examining these objects, we can understand the social structures that shaped artistic production, uncovering the dynamics of patronage and the politics of taste that defined this period.