Platter 1850 - 1899

This oval platter, made by Bernard Palissy in the late 16th century, is a stunning example of Renaissance decorative arts. The platter, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is decorated with a naturalistic depiction of a snake, fish, and various plants, meticulously crafted in earthenware and vividly painted with a palette of blues, greens, and browns. Palissy, known for his innovative use of "rustic" materials and his meticulous attention to detail, aimed to recreate nature's wonders in his ceramic works, blurring the lines between art and science. This "Platter" exemplifies his mastery of this style, showcasing his skill in creating illusionistic imagery and his fascination with the natural world.