Plate c. 1778 - 1782

This porcelain plate was crafted in Loosdrecht, its circular form echoing an ancient symbol of unity and infinity. At its center, a pastoral scene unfolds, with figures reminiscent of a gentle Arcadia, a timeless symbol for peace and simple, carefree living. The image of figures gathering near a tree has roots stretching back to antiquity. We see it echoed in classical depictions of the Golden Age, and even earlier in sacred groves of ancient cultures. The tree, a potent symbol of life and knowledge, is also deeply entrenched in our collective unconscious. From the Tree of Life to the Bodhi tree, it resonates with our innate understanding of growth, sustenance, and interconnectedness. Yet, in this delicate rendering, the scene is domesticated, brought to the scale of domestic life. Thus, the eternal motifs of nature and human connection reappear, softened and transformed by the passage of time and human hands.