Artwork
Covered Cup and Saucer

Covered Cup and Saucer is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This painting presents a still life composition centered on an ornate covered cup and its matching saucer.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds the piece within its collection, where it is recognized for its portrayal of these individuals.
The work depicts a man and a woman, presented as an anonymous painting created in 1795. As a genre painting, the subject matter centers on these two human figures, though the specific narrative or symbolic interaction between them is not detailed in the available records. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds the piece within its collection, where it is recognized for its portrayal of these individuals.
The depiction serves as a straightforward representation of a male and female subject from the late 18th century.
History & Provenance
The work titled Covered Cup and Saucer was produced in 1795 by an anonymous hand, as recorded in its catalog entry and confirmed by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s documentation. It entered the collection of philanthropist Robert Lehman, who later bequeathed the piece to the museum, where it is presently housed in New York. The painting is classified as a work of the late 18th‑century American school, reflecting the period’s decorative arts interests.
Its creation history is tied to the late 1790s, with no identifiable artist attribution, and its provenance traces from Lehman’s ownership to the museum’s permanent collection.
Overview
This painting presents a still life composition centered on an ornate covered cup and its matching saucer. The cup is positioned to the right of the saucer, creating a balanced arrangement. Both pieces of tableware are distinguished by their intricate decorative elements, suggesting they are objects of aesthetic value rather than utilitarian items. The artwork emphasizes the detailed craftsmanship and the interplay of colors and patterns across their surfaces.
Technique & Style
As a painted representation, this work demonstrates a meticulous approach to capturing the visual qualities of the depicted objects. The artist carefully renders the varied patterns and color schemes, from the delicate gold embellishments to the contrasting blue and pink accents. The precision required to depict the miniature figures on the cup's surface, along with the overall attention to detail, aligns with still life traditions focused on the accurate portrayal of refined and decorative items.
Artist & collection










