Dish with a standing woman

About this artwork

Legaat van de heer en mevrouw Drucker-Fraser, Montreux

Art Historical Context

This elegant *Dish with a Standing Woman*, created by an anonymous artisan around 1680–1720, stands at 24 cm high and exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of wheel-turned ceramics from the late Baroque era. The medium of "turning"—referring to the potter's wheel technique—allowed for precise shaping of clay into symmetrical forms, a hallmark of European pottery workshops during this period. The central motif of a standing woman likely served as a decorative focal point, evoking the era's fascination with graceful figures in everyday objects. Dating to the transition from Baroque opulence to early Rococo lightness, such dishes were popular in affluent households across Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and surrounding regions, where anonymous makers produced tin-glazed earthenware for dining and display. The anonymity reflects the collaborative nature of artisanal studios, prioritizing functionality and subtle artistry over individual fame. This piece's survival highlights the durability of turned ceramics, which combined utility with narrative charm. Generously bequeathed by Mr. and Mrs. Drucker-Fraser of Montreux, the dish now enriches our collection, offering a glimpse into 18th-century domestic life and the unsung skill of forgotten potters. A testament to enduring legacy, it invites you to ponder the stories behind its poised female figure.

About the Artist

anonymous

In the vast tapestry of art history, "Anonymous" stands not as a singular individual but as a collective designation for countless unidentified creators whose works have endured across millennia. These artists, spanning prehistoric cave painters to medieval illuminators and folk craftsmen, produced the foundational layers of human visual culture. Prior to the Renaissance, when individual fame emer...