The Ascension of the Bourgeoisie / Daily Life

“The banquet is a ceremony of representation and the senses.”

Palaces and villas were venues for festivities as well as important meeting places for the bourgeoisie and aristocracy. At the end of Congress, those in political positions met with honourable guests at lavish banquets and gala dinners to celebrate individuals, corporations and special events. Fine foods, exclusive dishes and drinks were important elements. The banquet represented the most elaborate of these festivities, with requisite fine dining, elaborate ceremony and speeches, to celebrate the occasion. Rhetoric at the time was a prized art form.

NameDynastyDetailsJustification
Senator Ratta Banquet1693Biblioteca Comunale dell'Archiginnasio
Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
This memorable banquet was documented by a series of printed etchings and descriptions.
The Gourmet1720sDobó István Castle Museum
Eger, Észak-Magyarország / North Hungary, Hungary
Seeking contentedness by drinking and smoking – seen as the minor pleasures of life – was often depicted as a warning to the viewer about how the pleasures of life turn into indulgence.
ConsoleFirst half of the eighteenth centuryPalazzo Tozzoni
Imola, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
This richly decorated console was probably used to display rare and fine tableware.
Breakfast Setc. 1776Museum of Arts and Crafts
Zagreb, North-West Croatia, Croatia
The history of the Croatian border troops is depicted on this renowned Meissen-manufactory ware.
NameDynastyDetailsJustification
Breakfast Setc. 1776Museum of Arts and Crafts
Zagreb, North-West Croatia, Croatia
The history of the Croatian border troops is depicted on this renowned Meissen-manufactory ware.
Breakfast Setc. 1776Museum of Arts and Crafts
Zagreb, North-West Croatia, Croatia
The history of the Croatian border troops is depicted on this renowned Meissen-manufactory ware.
Breakfast Setc. 1776Museum of Arts and Crafts
Zagreb, North-West Croatia, Croatia
The history of the Croatian border troops is depicted on this renowned Meissen-manufactory ware.
Sugar bowl18th centuryBudapest History Museum
Budapest, Közép-Magyarország / Central Hungary, Hungary
These kinds of products from the Buda workshop were extremely popular among the Hungarian bourgeoisie and aristocracy of the late 18th century.
A pair of still-life paintings: Confectionery and Pottery and Confectionery and Flowers1676Museum and House of Anselmo Braamcamp Freire
Santarém, Santarém, Portugal
The symbolic objects and food commonly associated with the Eucharist are set out on the table according to the strict ceremonial rules and etiquette of this very special feast day. The ceramics, however, allude to the daily simplicity of a small Portuguese society.
NameDynastyDetailsJustification
A pair of still-life paintings: Confectionery and Pottery and Confectionery and Flowers1676Museum and House of Anselmo Braamcamp Freire
Santarém, Santarém, Portugal
Expensive tableware and excessively adorned tables represent the sins of lust and vanity which are seen as symbols of transience; alternatively, the peonies allude to salvation and chastity while other flowers depicted symbolise purity, patience and martyrdom.