Den dageraad begint te blinken 1918

This Delftware plate, made by De Porceleijne Fles, is a study in circular composition and tonal variation. Its cobalt blue imagery against the stark white ground presents a serene, yet structured tableau. The circular form is echoed in the central image framed by text above and below. The central image depicts a windmill rising from a field, flanked by smaller buildings and trees beneath a cloudy sky. The artist uses varying densities of blue to create depth and dimension. Notice the border: a continuous chain of stylized leaves; each element contributes to the overall harmony. The use of text and image suggests a semiotic interplay where words and visuals combine to convey meaning. The plate’s circular structure and balanced composition invite contemplation, suggesting a world in harmony, carefully ordered by design. As you observe the continuous flow of the border and the integrated imagery, consider how this plate, beyond its practical function, embodies a cultural and philosophical statement about order, representation, and the human relationship with the environment.