Plate

Art Historical Context

Created around 1912 by French ceramicist André Metthey, earthenware plate exemplifies the artistic innovation in early 20th pottery. Measuring just under 15 inches across, its modest dimensions belie a bold presence in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Modern Contemporary Art collection. Acquired through the Edward C. Moore. Gift in 1924, it highlights the era's growing appreciation for decorative ceramics as fine art. The plate's imagery draws from the biblical story of Adam and Eve, timeless motif rendered in Metthey's distinctive style. Earthenware, fired at lower temperatures than porcelain, allowed for vibrant glazes and expressive forms, making it ideal for narrative scenes like this. Such dishes bridged utilitarian craft with symbolic storytelling, reflecting cultural fascination with Edenic themes amid modern life's upheavals. Metthey's work captures a pivotal moment when ceramics challenged traditional hierarchies, elevating everyday objects into museum-worthy treasures. Visitors will appreciate how this piece invites reflection on humanity's origins through its tactile, colorful medium.