Artwork

farfurie

farfurie, by Unknown, 1706
farfurie, by Unknown, 1706

farfurie is a photography by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1706 and is held in the collection of the Ethnographical Museum of Transylvania. The object is a shallow, circular plate whose rim mimics the scalloped edge of a shell.

About this work

Overview

Its base colour is a plain white, over which a decorative scheme of painted flora unfolds in blues, greens, browns and vivid accents.

The object is a shallow, circular plate whose rim mimics the scalloped edge of a shell. Its base colour is a plain white, over which a decorative scheme of painted flora unfolds in blues, greens, browns and vivid accents. The central field is divided into two mirrored halves, each filled with additional floral motifs, while small blue specks line the perimeter, suggesting berries or tiny blossoms.

Subject & Meaning

The painted imagery centers on stylised flowers and leaves, a common decorative language that conveys abundance and natural beauty. The split central motif creates a sense of balance, perhaps reflecting the duality of function and ornamentation in everyday objects.

Technique & Style

The plate exemplifies a Baroque decorative approach, employing bold outlines, contrasting colours and dynamic compositions to enliven a utilitarian surface. The painted surface was likely applied with tempera or oil-based pigments, allowing the bright hues to stand out against the white ground.

Context

Designed for daily domestic service, the piece functions as a serving or display plate rather than a purely artistic object. Its ornamental treatment elevates a commonplace item, illustrating how Baroque aesthetics permeated ordinary householdware.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known