Plate 18th century

This undecorated silver plate, crafted by I.B.C., is deceptively simple. The undulating edge is not merely decorative; it evokes the organic, fluid forms of nature. Consider the scallop shell, a motif deeply embedded in cultural memory. From its association with Venus, goddess of love and beauty, to its adoption as a symbol of pilgrimage, particularly for those journeying to Santiago de Compostela, the shell carries layers of meaning. The repeating curves of this plate’s rim resonate with the scallop's form, echoing a connection to both classical ideals and spiritual quests. Even in its abstraction, this plate hints at the powerful, subconscious appeal of symbols rooted in our collective past. Like echoes in a hall of mirrors, this simple shape resonates with cultural memory.