Plate with a bouquet, flower sprays and an ornamental border c. 1790 - 1800

This plate, decorated by Bordeaux, captivates with its blend of delicacy and geometric precision. The circular form is meticulously divided, featuring a central bouquet surrounded by a sparse scattering of flowers and an ornamental border. The colour palette balances pastel pinks and greens with gilded accents, creating a harmonious visual experience. The composition reflects structuralist ideals, using repetitive patterns and symmetrical arrangements. The central floral motif, a traditional symbol of beauty, is juxtaposed with the rigid geometry of the border. This creates a tension between natural and constructed forms. Semiotically, the flowers might represent nature, youth and fleeting beauty while the border suggests order, control and the enduring nature of art. Ultimately, this plate embodies a dialogue between decoration and design, inviting us to reflect on how art can both celebrate and interrogate conventional notions of beauty and order. Note how the overall structure prompts us to reconsider the relationship between surface and depth, tradition and innovation, in the decorative arts.