Plate 1765 - 1775

This plate was made in Tournai, its surface adorned with delicate floral motifs. The flowers, more than mere decoration, evoke the ancient concept of the "flowering meadow," a symbol of paradise and renewal found in diverse cultures from Persian gardens to medieval tapestries. Note how the central bouquet spills forth, a cornucopia of botanical abundance. This arrangement echoes the "horror vacui" - the fear of empty space - so prevalent in earlier art forms, a subconscious rejection of nothingness. The appeal to our senses is undeniable, as the scent of flowers often triggers deeply buried memories. Consider how these floral arrangements have evolved through history, from sacred offerings to emblems of courtly love, each era imbuing them with new significance. The image of the flower persists, not just as a visual delight, but as a constant rebirth in our collective psyche.