Plate c. 1730

This plate was made by Rouen Potteries, and what captures my eye is the dance of floral motifs and butterflies across its surface, a celebration of nature's ephemeral beauty. The bouquet in the vase is reminiscent of the "vanitas" paintings, symbols of the fleeting nature of life and beauty. These motifs remind me of ancient Greek and Roman frescoes, where flora and fauna were symbols of rebirth and renewal. Consider, too, the butterflies that flit about; in many cultures, they symbolize transformation, the soul's journey, a theme that has permeated art from ancient Egypt to Dutch still life. The human psyche is drawn to these images, perhaps because they resonate with our primal understanding of life cycles and the enduring power of nature. This plate is a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of life, of nature's capacity to regenerate and transform.