Terrine met deksel en onderschotel, beschilderd met strooimotief c. 1760 - 1770

Editor: This lovely Terrine with Lid and Plate, made of earthenware and painted ceramic around 1760-1770 by the Ludwigsburg Porcelain Factory, exudes such a delicate, Rococo charm. The scattered floral motif is very pretty. What symbolism do you see within these painted elements? Curator: Ah, an excellent question. Rococo, remember, celebrated ornamentation and natural forms. This "strooimotief," as it's called, mimics a garden, a carefully constructed wilderness. But consider: are these botanicals painted realistically? No. They represent an ideal of nature, controlled and beautiful, reflecting aristocratic desires to dominate even the natural world. Editor: So, the very act of depicting these flowers becomes a symbol of power? Curator: Precisely. The rose, of course, often stands for love and beauty, but even its specific coloring matters. Notice how the pastel palette—the blues, yellows and purples-- soft, speaks to a specific sense of refined taste, of avoiding anything too garish or bold. What might the lemon on top suggest? Editor: Hmm, it adds a pop of vibrant colour, maybe a zest for life, or even luxury given lemons were less common then? Curator: Yes, and the lemon can symbolize freshness and purification. Combining all these symbols elevates the dining experience, turning every meal into a statement about wealth, taste, and the control of nature. Think about the continuity of representing the natural world, a constant reflection of our environment. Editor: This has given me so much to think about regarding Rococo's complexities. Thank you! Curator: It's a pleasure. There is always more to unearth when viewing our relationship to the history of symbols.