Blad, beschilderd met korenbloemen c. 1784

This delicately painted plate, decorated with cornflowers, was made in Loosdrecht, though the specific date is unknown. The lack of information surrounding this piece invites us to consider the untold stories behind its creation. Who was the artist, and what was their role in the porcelain factory? Were they a woman, confined to the delicate work of painting flowers, while men handled the more "important" tasks? Or perhaps they were a young apprentice, honing their skills under the watchful eye of a master. The cornflower itself, a common weed in fields of grain, may represent more than just a decorative motif. It could symbolize resilience and quiet beauty in a world dominated by more showy blooms. This simple plate becomes a canvas for speculation, prompting us to consider the lives and labor of those whose names have been lost to history.