Two-handled cup with cover 1725 - 1730

This two-handled cup with a cover was crafted by the Meissen Manufactory, a German porcelain producer established in the early 18th century. Notice the scenes decorating the porcelain, framed with decorative borders and gilded embellishments. These types of wares catered to the tastes of the European elite. Aristocrats like Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour were central in establishing aesthetic trends. In these circles the feminine was considered crucial to the visual and material culture of the rococo. The cup is adorned with imagery of classical scenes of leisure and revelry. The cup evokes a sense of abundance, excess, and pleasure. These are the kind of feelings the aristocracy wanted to foster about their leadership. Consider how an object like this would have been used. Would you have felt as though you were part of the elite if you had one of these? Would you have even known how radical and damaging this lifestyle was to the vast majority of people?