Drie ontwerpen voor gebakschotels en bordjes 1851 - 1930

Here we see Theo Colenbrander's design for cake dishes and plates, created with graphite, though the exact date remains unknown. Colenbrander, who lived from 1841 to 1930, was working during a period of significant social and artistic change. These sketches offer us a glimpse into the world of decorative arts during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As an artist, Colenbrander navigated the intersections of functionality and aesthetics, class and taste. These designs are not just about the dishes themselves, but about the social rituals and cultural values associated with dining and entertaining. The precision and geometric patterns hint at a desire for order and control, perhaps reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of a rapidly modernizing society. Yet, there is also a playful quality to the designs, suggesting a celebration of beauty and creativity in everyday life. These designs evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.