Plate c. 1936

Editor: This earthenware plate, simply titled "Plate," dates back to about 1936. The artist is listed as Helmut Hiatt, and the artwork includes a print drawing on its ceramic surface. It really strikes me how much is happening within the circular space, and I'm particularly drawn to the black and white monochromatic theme. What do you see in this piece, as an expert? Curator: My gaze is arrested by the strategic employment of figuration against a backdrop suggestive of landscape and genre painting. Do you observe how the decorative-art aspect vies with the potential narrative allusions? It presents an intriguing dialogue between surface and depth. Editor: I do see that contrast! There's definitely an intentional flattening of the imagery, a pushing and pulling, as if to showcase the very act of representation on a three-dimensional object. Can we even say for sure what its purpose might be? Curator: A pertinent question. The form, a plate, suggests utilitarian function, but the imagery transcends simple decoration. Are you thinking, then, that function is entirely subsumed by its aesthetic qualities? Editor: I’m tempted to! Especially with all of these details of faces, landscapes, and typography. The states names seem to create the outline that dictates the edge design as a container for all of the action taking place within its edges. What medium are you referring to when considering its aesthetic value? Curator: Consider the precision of line and form, even within a utilitarian context, highlighting the convergence between aesthetics and utility that serves this work, simultaneously functioning as surface decoration as well as spatial orientation. I was not considering an individual element to create such effects. Very well put! Editor: That's true, that relationship is very important and I now see how powerful of a decision this artist chose with his selection of imagery, detail and layout on this plate! Curator: Yes. Understanding of visual art helps reveal such details within material arts.