Covered Creamer with Battle Scenes (Bataillen-Malerei)
Classification
ceramics
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Bequest of Georgiana L. McClellan
Accession Number
1953-17-47-a,b
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This elegant covered creamer, titled *Covered Creamer with Battle ScenesBataillen-Malerei, hails from the Royal Porcelain Manufactory Berlin, Germany—established in 1763 as a pinnacle of European porcelain production under royal patronage. Crafted between 1870 and 1900, it exemplifies theactory's mastery of fine ceramics, blending utilitarian tableware with intricate decorative artistry. The "battle scenes" motif, a popular theme in 19th-century German porcelain, likely draws from historical military triumphs, evoking the era's nationalistic fervor following Germany's unification in 1871. As ...