Schotel met leeuwenjacht n. Tempesta 1680 - 1715

This is a faience plate depicting a lion hunt after Tempesta, made by Pierre Clérissy around the late 17th or early 18th century. The plate immediately strikes us with its circular composition and the stark contrast of blue against the white ground. This design isn't just decorative, but it's also a complex interplay of form and function. The central scene, framed by concentric bands, uses detailed linework to depict movement and drama, inviting our eyes to circle around and delve into the narrative. Looking closer, notice how Clérissy employs the circular format to create a sense of enclosure. The repeated floral patterns on the outer rim add another layer to the structure. The design's formal qualities can be seen as a microcosm of larger artistic and philosophical discourses that engage with ideas of containment versus expansion. The plate presents a structured space for reflecting on themes of power, control, and the spectacle of the hunt.