Bord 1750 - 1780

Editor: Here we have "Bord," a delightful earthenware plate created sometime between 1750 and 1780. The blue and white scene almost feels like a glimpse into a miniature world. How can we unpack this, from a historian's perspective? Curator: Indeed! Think about what earthenware meant during this time. It wasn't just about having dishes; it reflected social status. Blue and white ware, particularly mimicking Chinese porcelain, was incredibly fashionable in Europe, signaling wealth and sophistication. Editor: So, this plate isn't just decorative, it's communicating something about the owner? Curator: Absolutely! Consider the imagery: we see a Rococo-inspired landscape, complete with figures engaged in leisure. What message is being broadcast through these pastoral scenes? Editor: Maybe it's about presenting a lifestyle, or an idealized view of rural life detached from the reality of agricultural labor? Curator: Precisely. This "genre painting" is contained within the circular boundary of the plate, transforming the domestic object into a canvas to display very specific values. The miniature landscape becomes a carefully controlled and curated world. The very act of using and displaying this plate contributes to its socio-political significance, right? Editor: That makes so much sense. I'd only been seeing this piece as a cute snapshot of daily life. Now, I'm appreciating how the image operates as an aesthetic object communicating on aspects of cultural aspirations during the 18th century. Curator: Exactly! This piece serves not only function, but to perform. What better conversation piece for those enjoying tea!