Dish with scene from myth of Perseus and Andromeda 17th century

This is a dish depicting the myth of Perseus and Andromeda, made by Bernard Palissy in 16th-century France. Palissy’s dish is more than mere decoration; it’s a statement on the social order. The classical subject matter, popular among the elite, is rendered in a distinctly Mannerist style, characterized by exaggerated forms and crowded compositions. This choice reflects the tastes of the French court, which Palissy served. But Palissy was not just an artist, he was also a Huguenot, a French Protestant. Considering this religious identity, the dish could be viewed as a commentary on power, sacrifice, and salvation. To truly grasp its meaning, we must delve into the culture and history of the time, considering the religious and social tensions that shaped Palissy’s world. By studying the socio-political context, we can appreciate the dish not just as a beautiful object, but as a window into a complex and turbulent era.