Plate 1760 - 1770

This plate was crafted by the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory. Its surface depicts a scene reminiscent of a classical shipwreck, echoing the tales of the ancient Mediterranean. The iconography present on the plate—figures in distress, a ship battling tumultuous waves, and classical architecture—reveals a deep connection to the visual language of antiquity. These motifs are not merely decorative; they invoke the powerful, timeless themes of fate, human struggle, and the overwhelming forces of nature. Observe how such scenes recur throughout art history, from Roman frescoes to Renaissance paintings, each iteration subtly shifting in tone and emphasis yet retaining a core emotional resonance. Consider the shipwreck motif: In ancient times, it symbolized the perils of hubris and the wrath of the gods. As it appears here, it might also reflect the 18th-century fascination with the sublime—that awe-inspiring blend of terror and beauty. It serves as a potent reminder of our shared human vulnerability. These symbols progress in a non-linear fashion, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.