Salt with putto and dolphin c. 1740 - 1760

This porcelain salt cellar, adorned with a putto and a dolphin, is a captivating example of decorative art. The piece immediately strikes you with its balanced asymmetry, the smooth, pale figure of the putto contrasting with the textured, multicolored dolphin. The composition is skillfully arranged; the putto perches atop the dolphin, creating a visual hierarchy that draws the eye upwards. Note how the anonymous artist plays with form: the organic curves of the dolphin's body and the shell-like containers juxtapose against the putto's smooth, idealized human form. This contrast isn't merely aesthetic; it engages with classical ideals, merging the mythological with everyday objects. The color palette is restrained yet effective. The soft blues and yellows of the dolphin provide a subtle backdrop for the stark whiteness of the putto, enhancing its prominence. This salt cellar transcends its utilitarian function, becoming a symbol of cultural values and artistic expression. Its structure embodies a dialogue between form and function.