Dish 1585 - 1615

Bernard Palissy crafted this ceramic dish, sometime in the 16th century. The dish captivates with its intricate, symmetrical composition. A network of interconnected floral motifs in green, white, and blue, spreads across the surface, creating a mesmerizing pattern. This decorative grid suggests a structured, almost mathematical approach, yet the slight irregularities in the glaze and form hint at the artist's hand. Palissy, known for his scientific approach to ceramics, blends art with the study of natural forms. He used molds of casts of actual plants and animals to create a tromp l'oeil effect in his works. The translucent glaze enhances the three-dimensional qualities, while the high-fired earthenware speaks to the period's technological ambitions. The dish, more than a functional object, reflects a moment when art, science, and philosophy converged, challenging the boundaries between imitation and creation.