Dish (part of a service) 1738

This delicate porcelain dish was crafted at the Meissen Manufactory, sometime after 1710. Dominating the center is a swan, emblem of purity and grace, often associated with divine figures like Leda in Greek mythology. Note also the heraldic crest, a symbol of lineage and power, anchoring the piece within a specific social and historical context. The swan motif, however, transcends mere representation. Recall the myth of Leda and the Swan, a tale of transformation and divine intervention. This primal image resurfaces across centuries, echoing in Renaissance paintings and even modern ballets, each time imbued with new layers of meaning, yet forever tethered to its origin. Observe how the swan’s serene exterior belies the potent emotions it evokes. Its elegant form masks a deeper connection to our collective memory, triggering subconscious associations with beauty, desire, and transformation. This dish is not merely an object, but a vessel carrying the weight of cultural history, its symbols resonating with echoes of the past.