Basin 1585 - 1615

This ceramic Basin was created by Bernard Palissy around 1545. The dish's circular form is immediately striking, its dimensions carefully considered to balance visual impact and structural integrity. Note how Palissy has structured the composition into concentric zones, from the central medallion to the outer rim. Each zone contains a wealth of figures and decorations. The circular arrangement of scenes around a central motif evokes a sense of cosmological order. The use of relief is strategically employed to create depth and shadow, animating the surface and drawing the viewer's eye across the complex design. This Basin challenges fixed categories; it's both a functional object and a sculptural artwork, reflecting Renaissance interests in natural science, philosophy, and the decorative arts. The circular composition and layered narratives prompt us to continually reinterpret the piece, recognizing it as a site of enduring aesthetic and intellectual inquiry.