Plate 1745 - 1761

This ceramic plate was made by Tournai, and is now held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. At first glance, the composition feels delicately balanced. The floral arrangements create a captivating asymmetry. Notice how the centralized bouquet draws your eye inward, while the smaller, scattered blossoms lead you around the plate's edge. Consider how the artist employs the negative space—the white porcelain—to define the subject. The whiteness isn't just background; it's an active participant, enhancing the subtle gradations of the monochrome flowers. The textured rim adds another layer, contrasting with the smooth center and playing with light and shadow. This isn’t simply decoration; it's a conversation between form and function, where each element supports a unified aesthetic experience. The play of light, and the balanced asymmetry invite ongoing contemplation, revealing new aesthetic dimensions with each viewing.