Plate c. 1770

This plate was made by Rouen Potteries and is now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago. The plate's design is dominated by a symmetrical arrangement. At its center, a basket of flowers creates a focal point, surrounded by a circular border of stylized motifs. Notice how the plate is divided into distinct zones: the central floral arrangement, the patterned border, and the negative space of the white background. This division creates a sense of order and balance, yet the floral motifs introduce a touch of organic fluidity that counteracts the geometric precision. The interplay between geometric structure and organic form suggests an exploration of how design can mediate between natural and artificial worlds. The plate offers a glimpse into the cultural values and aesthetic sensibilities of its time, inviting us to consider how everyday objects can reflect complex ideas about beauty, order, and our relationship with the natural world.