München Olympiade 1972

This commemorative plate for the 1972 Munich Olympics was made by De Porceleijne Fles, probably in Delft, using traditional Delftware techniques. Imagine the artist carefully applying the cobalt blue paint onto the white glazed surface! The central image of the Olympic torch, surrounded by the words "München Olympiade", reminds me of the enduring spirit of athleticism and international unity. I think of the artist thoughtfully choosing the precise shade of blue, letting it bleed ever so slightly into the white glaze. The delicate floral border, with its intricate patterns, looks as if it has come straight from a Dutch still life. The plate almost seems to be holding a conversation with centuries of ceramic art. You can imagine the painter looking at other plates for ideas, like artists do today when they look at other artists. It’s a humble yet beautiful object, connecting history, sport, and craft.