Della Robbia Dish 1901

This painted Della Robbia Dish, made by an anonymous artist, has real charm. It reminds us that artmaking is a process, and every stage of that process holds meaning. It’s the texture that grabs me – that earthy roughness of the dish itself contrasting with the smooth glaze of the painted design. It's a very tactile experience, even just looking at it. The colors are mostly muted, warm yellows and browns, offset by a cool blue background. Look closely at the woman's hair, those delicate strands painted with such care. It makes the whole piece feel incredibly intimate and personal, as if the artist was trying to capture not just an image, but a feeling. It reminds me of the work of some of the Arts and Crafts movement artists – that same dedication to craft, the same love of simple, natural forms. But in the end, it’s its own thing, a small, quiet artwork that speaks volumes about the power of art to transform the everyday.