Plate with an image of the Golden Bend in the Herengracht, Amsterdam c. 1774

This plate, depicting the Golden Bend in Amsterdam’s Herengracht, was made anonymously, using ceramic and paint. The scene has been carefully hand-painted onto the surface, and then glazed, with decorative borders added. The plate's glossy surface reflects light, enhancing the colours of the enamels. The choice of a plate as a canvas immediately brings a domestic context to mind. Plates like this were often made in China for export to Europe, so the image of Amsterdam is mediated through a complex global trade network. This speaks to the rise of mercantile capitalism in the Netherlands, where even everyday objects became vehicles for expressing civic pride. The hand-painted decoration is interesting. It elevates this plate beyond mere functionality, transforming it into a keepsake. In doing so, it transcends the divide between the decorative and the fine arts.