Bord met een schip

About this artwork

diameter 24.7 cm

Art Historical Context

Welcome to our exhibit featuring *Bord met een schip (Plate with a Ship a charming 1753 plate produced by De Porceleyne Byl, a renowned Delft pottery workshop. Measuring 24.7 cm in diameter, dish exemplifies the tin-glazed earthenware known as Delftware, a staple of 18th-century Dutch ceramics De Porceleyne Byl, active in the vibrant pottery hub of Delft, crafted such pieces as affordable alternatives to imported Chinese porcelain, blending functionality with artistic flair. The title hints at a nautical motif—a ship likely rendered in the iconic cobalt blue underglaze typical of Delftware. This maritime theme reflects the Netherlands' Golden Age legacy as a seafaring powerhouse, with ships symbolizing trade, exploration, and the Dutch East India Company's global reach. Artisans hand-painted designs on the tin-glazed surface before a final firing, creating vivid, durable imagery that brought everyday tableware to life. Culturally, pieces like this plate highlight Delft's role in democratizing fine art; once gracing humble Dutch homes, they now captivate collectors worldwide. Imagine it laden with herring or biscuits during a lively 18th-century meal— a testament to craftsmanship that turned the ordinary into the extraordinary.