Bread Tray c. 1938

Mildred Ford crafted this "Bread Tray," with its painted motifs, evoking the warmth and communal spirit of shared meals. The arrangement of fruit, particularly the prominence of red berries, taps into a deep well of symbolism. Think back to classical antiquity: red fruit were emblems of fertility and abundance, seen in Roman frescoes and Dionysian rituals, signifying the earth's bounty. The fruit's reappearance in Ford's tray, though seemingly simple, carries that ancestral memory, a visual echo across time. The tray itself, a vessel for sustenance, mirrors the cornucopia, an ancient symbol overflowing with nourishment. This imagery, passed down through generations, evokes feelings of comfort and security. The act of sharing bread from such a vessel transforms a simple meal into a ritual, connecting us to our collective past, when food was celebrated and cherished. The motif engages viewers on a profound, subconscious level. It's a reminder that images carry weight, transcending time and shaping our understanding of the world.