Plate - "State House, Boston" c. 1936

Helmut Hiatt made this plate sometime between 1855 and 1995, though I couldn’t say exactly when. It’s a monochromatic rendering of the Boston State House, framed by a decorative border of flowers. I can imagine Hiatt, totally absorbed, carefully building up the image from the center outwards, adding layer upon layer of detail to the architecture and foliage. The flowers around the edge soften the formality of the building, like a garden party invitation. It's an interesting juxtaposition. The plate feels like a document of a specific time, yet the floral border gives it an ageless quality. The crisp monochrome contrasts against the ornate detail of the design, creating a visual tension. I'm curious about the relationship between representation and decoration here, it seems like a negotiation between history and beauty. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that artists are always in conversation, remixing and reinterpreting the past.