Platter

Art Historical Context

This elegant porcelain platter, crafted by an unknown French artist between 1815 and 1830, exemplifies the refined porcelain production of post-Napoleonic France during the Bourbon Restoration. Measuring a generous 16¼ x 10⅞ inches with a shallow 2-inch depth, its oval form and delicate material made it ideal for serving lavish dishes at grand dinners. French porcelain, often produced at prestigious factories like Sèvres, was renowned for its translucency and durability, achieved through high-fired hard-paste techniques that allowed intricate designs and gilding—hallmarks of luxury tableware coveted across Europe and America. Displayed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, this platter highlights the transatlantic exchange of luxury goods in the early 19th century. Wealthy American households eagerly imported such pieces, blending French elegance with emerging national tastes amid growing trade post-War of 1812. Its presence in the collection, generously gifted by Mrs. Alan W. Carrick in 1967, underscores how decorative arts bridged cultures, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of the era. Though details of its decoration remain unspecified, the platter's survival speaks to the enduring artistry of French ceramics, inviting us to imagine it laden with roasts or pastries at a candlelit feast.