Soup Tureen with the Arms of the Scholten-Hogenberg Family

About this artwork

A tureen, lid and stand decorated in gilt with red details. Depicted on the set are small flowers and an emblem with a chicken, lobster, and other items.

Art Historical Context

Step into the opulent world of 18th-century dining with the *Soup Tureen with the of the Scholten-Hberg Family*, crafted around 1725–1730. This elegant ceramic set, featuring a tureen, lid, and, exemplifies the lavish tableware favored by Europe's elite. Adorned with intricate gilt accents and vibrant red details, it blooms with delicate small flowers, creating a harmonious blend of nature and luxury. At its heart lies a heraldic emblem showcasing a chicken, lobster, and other symbolic motifs—the coat of arms of the Scholten-Hogenberg family, a prominent Dutch lineage. Such personalized ceramics were status symbols, commissioned to display wealth, lineage, and hospitality during grand banquets. Produced in an era when ceramics like porcelain and faience were revolutionizing European design, this piece highlights the technical mastery of gilding and enameling, techniques that elevated everyday objects to art. Now part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection through the bequest of Erskine Hewitt, this tureen invites us to savor the cultural fusion of utility and splendor from the early 18th century. (178 words)

About the Artist

Unknown

The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...