Platter 1760 - 1770

This oval platter, currently held at the Metropolitan Museum, was made by the Höchst Manufactory in the late 18th century. Notice the floral arrangements painted across its surface, especially the prominent roses. The rose, an age-old emblem of love and beauty, carries a rich history. From its veneration in ancient Greece and Rome, associated with goddesses of love, to its symbolic role in Christian iconography as a representation of the Virgin Mary, the rose's meaning has evolved through time. We see echoes of this reverence in Renaissance paintings, where roses adorn portraits of noblewomen, signifying virtue and grace. Yet, in each era, the rose undergoes a subtle transformation. Its presence in Baroque still lifes suggests fleeting beauty and mortality, a somber reminder of life's transience. Here, on this delicate platter, the rose appears in a stylized form, reflecting the Rococo period’s fascination with nature, beauty, and romance. This continuous reshaping illustrates our enduring dialogue with symbols, reflecting our deepest longings and fears.