Kannen van steengoed, plaat II 1827 - 1829

Charles Onghena made this print, "Kannen van steengoed, plaat II," depicting stoneware jugs, with etching techniques which echo the detailed craftsmanship of the industrial revolution. During the 19th century, objects like these jugs became markers of social status, reflecting the era's obsession with material culture and domesticity. Looking closely, you can see the tension between utility and ornament, hinting at the complex relationship between function and aspiration. What stories might these objects tell about the lives of those who used them? These designs offer insight into the era's values of aesthetics and social mobility. Consider how the jugs, with their display of wealth, might have been perceived by different social classes. Onghena’s print not only documents stoneware jugs but invites us to reflect on the intersection of art, industry, and social identity.