Schaal met een veelkleurig landschap in een medaillon uitgespaard in een geometrisch patroon c. 1759 - 1771

Editor: Here we have a charming ceramic dish from the Weesper porseleinfabriek, dating to between 1759 and 1771. The title translates to 'Dish with a multicolored landscape in a medallion cut out in a geometric pattern.' The delicate pink and intricate design strike me as rather whimsical. What is your impression of this piece? Curator: Whimsical is a wonderful way to put it! It's like peering into a secret garden through a kaleidoscope. The overall decorative style is very much in the Rococo spirit. Note how the artist uses this geometric grid, it almost feels like we are catching glimpses of the landscape through a screen, or perhaps a distorted mirror? It prompts me to wonder about the intended function...was this strictly ornamental, or for serving sweets? Editor: That’s a good point; I hadn’t thought about the actual purpose. What can you tell me about that central landscape? It’s tiny, but quite detailed. Curator: Yes, miniaturization was a Rococo strength. The landscape offers a sense of tranquility, but do you see that small, almost imperceptible figure within the landscape? Editor: Is that a person? It's so tiny I almost missed it! It adds an interesting dimension to the scene. It's no longer just scenery. Curator: Precisely! And that interplay of scales --the vast landscape shrunk to fit within the palm of your hand—becomes even more significant because of that human presence. It's both intimate and grand. Don't you agree? Editor: Definitely. I initially focused on the overall design, but the little figure really changes the feeling of the whole dish. It has made me think a lot more about how landscapes are used in art in different ways and scales. Curator: It is amazing how a simple object such as this can transport you back in time and make you look more intently at the world surrounding it.