Plate 1725 - 1745

This tin-glazed earthenware plate was created by Pierre Brebiette in the 17th century. Dominating the plate’s center is a cupid, derived from classical antiquity. This mischievous god of love, often depicted with wings and bow, symbolizes desire and affection, tracing back to the Eros of the Greeks. Cupid’s image has undergone transformations, appearing in Renaissance paintings as a cherubic figure, and later evolving into a popular Valentine’s Day emblem. This evolution reflects a broader human fascination with love and its representation. The surrounding floral motifs, stylized and decorative, echo patterns found in textiles and garden designs, reflecting nature's influence on art. Such motifs engage our collective memory, evoking feelings tied to nature and beauty. The image, like Cupid himself, taps into deep, primal emotions.