Plate 18th century

This ceramic plate was made by Ferniani Manufactory. The composition features a central still life, with two vases of flowers set against a backdrop of stylized hillocks. It’s immediately striking how the painter has used varied yet simple colours to give each element a distinct form. The central motif is framed by a thin band of cross-hatched lines, an example of how the artist uses geometry to define pictorial space. Note the way the floral designs around the rim echo the central still life, creating a visual echo that reinforces the plate's circular form. The flowers themselves are rendered with a fluid, almost calligraphic line. This creates a sense of movement and vitality, contrasting with the static nature of the objects in the still life. The careful placement of each element and the use of color work together to create a harmonious whole. This harmony speaks to broader aesthetic and philosophical concerns. We can observe an attempt to reconcile naturalism with abstraction, order with spontaneity. The plate asks us to think about how decorative arts can both represent and re-imagine the world around us.