Round plate with lobster 1889

Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro's 1889 "Round plate with lobster" exemplifies his renowned ceramic artistry. The plate, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features a realistically sculpted lobster, its detailed shell and limbs rendered with remarkable precision. The blue, white, and brown glazes on the plate's surface create a dynamic, almost abstract, backdrop for the central motif. This piece exemplifies Pinheiro's playful and satirical approach to art, often referencing everyday objects and themes from Portuguese life. The plate's bold realism and vibrant colors highlight Pinheiro's talent for capturing both the beauty and absurdity of the natural world.