Plate 1700 - 1750

This painted ceramic plate by Castelli features a classical scene, surrounded by cherubic figures. The cherubs, or putti, are not merely decorative; they are potent symbols of love and innocence, drawn from classical antiquity and reborn in the Renaissance. Consider how these cherubs, buoyant with youthful energy, echo figures found in ancient Roman frescoes, where they symbolized prosperity and familial joy. Yet, their transformation into Christian iconography associates them with divine love and heavenly messengers. This blending of pagan and Christian symbolism reveals a culture grappling with its past, attempting to reconcile classical ideals with emerging religious sensibilities. The central scene evokes a sense of pastoral Arcadia, an idealized vision of harmonious existence. Such imagery reflects a deep-seated human yearning for a simpler, more virtuous existence, a theme that recurs across centuries and cultures. This plate, therefore, is not just a decorative object but a vessel carrying layers of cultural memory. It reminds us of the enduring power of symbols to evoke profound emotional responses, connecting us to the collective unconscious of humanity.