Plate c. 18th century

This ‘Plate’ of indeterminate origin and maker in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art presents a striking study in form and utility. Its circular shape, defined by concentric rings, immediately draws the eye inward, creating a sense of depth within its shallow basin. The use of pewter, a malleable alloy, lends the piece a soft, matte texture, with subtle variations in tone that animate its surface. These irregularities, far from detracting from its appeal, hint at the plate's history of use, embedding time into its very materiality. The plate's unassuming design reflects a broader cultural narrative about function and aesthetic. Its form follows function, and the beauty lies in the honesty of its construction and purpose. It challenges fixed notions of art as solely representational or decorative, prompting us to reconsider value in the everyday. Even a humble plate can provoke thoughtful engagement with our material world.