Dish (one of a graduated set of seven) 1741 - 1742

This silver dish, one of a set of seven, was crafted by Paul de Lamerie. Its circular form, articulated by scalloped edges, immediately conveys both utility and artistry. The dish manipulates light, with the flat central plane serving as a mirror, drawing the eye and creating a sense of depth. De Lamerie's work merges formalism with the opulence of Baroque style. Look at the structural integrity achieved through the balance of radial symmetry and the intricate details along its edges. These elements play with visual perception and symbolic meaning; they are signs that signify wealth, status, and the refined tastes of the elite. The materiality of the silver enhances its reflective properties. The dish becomes a tool for the symbolic construction of identity and power. It is a cultural artifact that reflects the values and social structures of its time. The dish thus presents a dialogue between form and function, aesthetics and socio-cultural context.