Plaque 1785 - 1799

This tin-glazed earthenware plaque was created by the Alcora Manufactory in Spain, a time when European art was deeply engaged with themes of social hierarchy and identity. The scene presented offers a glimpse into the negotiation of class distinctions. Notice the contrast between the well-dressed figures in conversation and the resting woman and child. It invites reflection on the era’s complex social fabric, and how power dynamics were visually constructed. The detailed rendering of the landscape, complete with classical architectural elements, positions the figures within a narrative of leisure and status. The plaque seems to capture a moment of daily life, yet it also reflects the broader social and economic structures of 18th-century Spain. It offers us a window into the lives and relationships that defined the period, subtly commenting on societal norms through its careful composition and detail.