Dish 1800 - 1850

This lead-glazed earthenware dish was made by Bernard Palissy, sometime in the 16th century. The relief-molded dish captivates with its concentric composition, drawing the eye inward. The central scene of shepherds and their flock is framed by an ornate border of radiating motifs, creating a rich interplay of light and shadow. Palissy’s technique, inspired by Renaissance naturalism, elevates the dish beyond mere utility. The detailed figures and landscape elements suggest an attempt to capture the pastoral ideal. The interplay of form and subject hints at a deeper philosophical engagement, drawing from classical and biblical themes. Consider how Palissy’s choice of material and method mirrors a broader cultural interest in transforming the mundane into the extraordinary. The dish embodies a creative tension between surface and depth, function and representation. It transforms a simple object into a complex visual experience.