Plate c. 1700 - 1725

Editor: So this plate, made around 1700 to 1725 by the Grieksche A Factory, is currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago. It's ceramic porcelain. The color palette—cobalt blue and almost a rust-orange—is quite striking. It almost feels… festive, or maybe even a little whimsical, despite being a historical piece. What do you see in it? Curator: Oh, "festive" is spot-on! I'm transported back to grand banquets and glittering candlelight. Look at the way those Baroque floral motifs seem to dance around the central basket. Can't you almost hear the chatter of the guests as they devoured some now-forgotten delicacy off of it? Editor: I hadn't thought about the context of a banquet! What's interesting to you about the arrangement of these motifs? Curator: For me, the asymmetrical arrangement makes my eye flit and jump from one detail to the next, much like our attention during a merry social gathering. Editor: I see that! I was too focused on trying to understand all the different individual sections, and you are correct in that they seem almost carelessly, yet attractively, placed to maintain attention. Do you think the artist wanted it to represent merriment and grandness? Curator: Absolutely! Think of this as not just a plate, but a carefully constructed stage set for a moment of pleasure. Its purpose went beyond merely holding food! Instead, a visual metaphor of extravagance and joy to be used in celebratory times. Editor: So interesting to think about everyday items also having cultural purpose! Curator: Precisely. This plate reminds us to look beyond the obvious and see the story behind the glaze.