Plate c. 1760 - 1780

Curator: Take a moment to look at this intriguing “Plate,” crafted between 1760 and 1780, and housed right here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Its creator is Joseph A. Hannong. The primary material is earthenware with painted decorations. What catches your eye? Editor: It's whimsical! Like a tiny, dreamy world served on a scalloped-edged dish. The palette is unexpectedly vibrant – quite unlike what you might expect on antique earthenware. The central figure is enchanting. Curator: Indeed! The central figure offers much for iconographic interpretation. Notice the stylized depiction of the seated figure, deeply engaged in angling, and surrounded by what appears to be an East Asian landscape. Editor: There’s something melancholy about the figure's posture, though. Almost as if the fishing is less about the catch, and more about… solitude. Perhaps an internal quest? I imagine the scene captures more an interior emotional landscape. Curator: That’s a beautiful read. In its time, this type of image would have represented Europe's fascination with 'Chinoiserie' - an idealized and romanticized vision of Asia. Each detail is deliberate, connecting to larger cultural narratives of the 18th century. These genre paintings tell stories of both the everyday and the exotic. Editor: I’m stuck on the choice of painting on a plate. Was this something that the owner actually used? I love the audacity of daily art. Each crack is part of the journey of stories the plate could hold: intimate dinners, maybe secrets passed in the quiet after the meal, moments that became the real art woven in time and meals. Curator: Likely used for serving on special occasions, bringing visual refinement to the table. It reflects a desire for elegance, engaging with global tastes that mark 18th century artistic creation. Every detail carries meaning: social standing, access to international trade, refined leisure. Editor: This seemingly simple plate whispers tales of aspiration. It serves us up a bite of history, showing both the dreams of a long ago and the ever recurring beauty of everyday things.