Pa. German Plate c. 1938

Giacinto Capelli rendered this Pennsylvania German plate, showcasing a vibrant piece of folk art. The prominent rosette at the center, a timeless motif, immediately captures our attention, symbolizing unity and the cyclical nature of life. This symbol echoes across millennia, appearing in ancient Roman mosaics and medieval Christian art as emblems of divine order. Here, however, its presence on a simple plate transforms it into a potent, protective emblem for the home. Surrounding the rosette are inscriptions and smaller circular forms, perhaps alluding to celestial bodies, imbuing the object with cosmic significance. Such symbols tap into what Jung called the "collective unconscious," a reservoir of universal ideas and archetypes. The rosette’s recurrence speaks to humanity’s enduring quest for meaning and order, a quest mirrored in our art across generations. The symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, all while retaining its ancient allure.