Schotel, beschilderd met vijftien scènes uit het leven van Christus 1729

Editor: Okay, so here we have an intriguing piece: a plate titled "Schotel, beschilderd met vijftien scènes uit het leven van Christus" which roughly translates to 'Dish, painted with fifteen scenes from the life of Christ' by Johannes Verhagen, dating back to 1729. It looks like it's tempera on ceramic. It feels almost like a storybook, laid out in a circular fashion, which makes me wonder: what is your interpretation of the circular format? Curator: Ah, yes! The circular format. To me, it suggests a cyclical nature – perhaps alluding to the continuous retelling and relevance of these biblical stories through generations, the circle of life even. Don't you think the artist intentionally uses that shape to mirror a sort of eternal, ongoing narrative? What scenes do you immediately recognize, by the way? Editor: I think I see the Nativity, maybe the Last Supper… There's definitely a crucifixion scene, but everything's so detailed, it’s almost overwhelming! All rendered in blue and white. Curator: Exactly. Delftware, often painted with biblical or mythological narratives, was quite popular then. It’s amazing how Verhagen managed to capture so many scenes – in such miniature! – while still making them readable. Delftware potters, in the 17th and 18th century Netherlands, were eager to reproduce Chinese porcelain’s aesthetics. Notice the limited palette, which echoes Asian ceramics, even though the subject matter couldn’t be more European! What feelings arise in you when you observe its detailed and organized complexity? Editor: I guess it’s interesting how a common, everyday object – a plate – is elevated to become a vehicle for religious storytelling. Sort of like functional art! And I do like your interpretation, the 'cycle' of life and stories, I hadn't thought of that! Curator: And the intimate scale draws the viewer in for closer contemplation, perhaps over dinner. Editor: Yeah. Looking at it this way totally changes my understanding and how such plates are an everyday item charged with significant meaning.