Plate 1745 - 1755

Here we see a plate by Pierre Chapelle II, crafted with tin-glazed earthenware in the 18th century. The plate is ornamented with curvilinear forms, flora, and fauna. Notice how this monochromatic palette simplifies the composition, reducing visual noise and allowing us to appreciate the structure and pattern. Chapelle balances the overall design by positioning a bird and insect in the lower-left quadrant, which is counterweighted by another bird with a scrolling, stylized tail in the upper-right. These elements create a visual path around the plate, guiding the eye along the scalloped edge to the elaborate cornucopia in the upper center. The cornucopia, brimming with fruit and flowers, acts as a focal point. The symmetrical arrangement, combined with the dynamic asymmetry of the surrounding motifs, creates an interesting tension. It is in this interplay of symmetry and asymmetry that the artwork destabilizes conventional notions of balance and order. The artist prompts a re-evaluation of how meaning can emerge from structured yet seemingly spontaneous arrangements.