Plate with marine subject 1784 - 1797

This porcelain plate with marine subject was crafted by Dihl et Guérhard in France. Notice how the circular form is essential to the plate's visual impact, creating a self-contained world within its borders. The central image is framed by concentric bands of white and gold, drawing our eye inward. The artist plays with the tension between the plate's functional design and its decorative intent. The detailed marine scene at the center contrasts with the stylized, repeating patterns around the rim. This interplay of realism and abstraction is further complicated by the plate's materiality. The smooth, reflective porcelain surface interacts with the painted imagery, creating an illusionistic space that belies the object's flatness. Ultimately, this plate invites us to consider how art objects function within systems of value and representation. It is a reminder that even the most seemingly straightforward designs can be rich in conceptual complexity.