Dish 1881 - 1890

This porcelain dish was decorated by the Société Gérard, Dufraisseix and Morel, illustrating a scene of playful allegory. Here, the image of a cherubic figure sawing at a branch laden with ripe peaches immediately evokes classical themes of abundance and youthful exuberance. The peach, historically a symbol of immortality and fertility, dangles precariously as the putto mischievously challenges nature's bounty. We are reminded of similar motifs in Renaissance paintings, where such figures flit through idyllic landscapes, embodying humanity's complex relationship with the natural world. This act of playfully 'attacking' the fruit is reminiscent of ancient harvest festivals, where symbolic gestures ensured future prosperity. It echoes in the collective memory, stirring subconscious connections to rites of passage and the cycle of life. The underlying emotion captured is a potent blend of innocence and intent, engaging the viewer on a deeply human level. The image is not static, but alive with echoes of past and future interpretations. The symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.