Plate 1771 - 1772

This silver plate was crafted by Marc-Antoine-Noel Leroy in the 18th century. Its circular form is immediately striking, subtly divided into two distinct planes that draw the eye, with an undulating rim adding a layer of ornamental complexity. The plate's visual impact emerges from the interplay between its form and the material's inherent qualities. Light reflects and flows across the surface, defining its shape and accentuating the gradations. The ridged rim brings order, yet its decoration hints at the era’s complex social codes, where even dining implements were embedded with cultural meaning. Consider the plate not just as a functional object, but as a signifier of status and taste. Its existence challenges the binary between the aesthetic and the utilitarian, suggesting how everyday items carry layers of historical and cultural significance. As you observe this plate, recognize its formal properties which reflect broader artistic and philosophical concerns.