Deksel van botervloot c. 1774 - 1778

This is a lid from a butter dish, made from porcelain, decorated by the Loosdrecht porcelain factory. Notice how the decoration, rather than being applied evenly, is arranged in bands which follow the circular shape of the lid. These bands feature simple, landscape scenes in muted brown tones. The scenes appear naive, almost cartoonish, with figures and foliage reduced to simplified forms. The structure of the decoration invites us to consider semiotic readings. The landscapes aren't detailed representations of nature, but more like signs referring to an idea of nature, almost symbols of a rural idyll. The decoration serves a dual purpose: it enhances the object's aesthetic appeal, but also engages with the viewer's understanding of the world. The artwork is a reminder that even everyday objects can carry layers of meaning.