An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Flower Pyramidc. 1690
Allegorical figures representing Faith, Hope, and Love decorate the base of this pyramid, on which rest six tiers with spouts where flowers can be placed. Flower pyramids are among the most complex and luxurious types of ceramics produced in Delft in the late 1600s. This example was made in the Greek A Factory, owned by Adrianus Kocx. During his tenure, the factory became the most prestigious of Delft potteries and received commissions from Queen Mary II, who ruled over England, Scotland, and Ireland together with her husband, William III. She contributed to the international spread of the fashion for Delft ceramics.
The iconic blue-and-white ceramics from Delft originated as an attempt to copy Chinese porcelain.
Tin-glazed earthenware, painted in blue
Overall: 95 cm (37 3/8 in.)
Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund
In a serene corner of a sunlit room, a magnificent flower pyramid stands proudly, a testament to the artistry of the late 1600s. Its base is adorned with allegorical figures that whisper of Faith, Hope, and Love, their delicate forms weaving a tapestry of virtues that resonate across time.
Rising majestically in six elegant tiers, the pyramid is designed with spouts that eagerly invite flowers to nestle among its ceramic curves, like treasured jewels awaiting a special occasion. This particular marvel hails from the esteemed Greek A Factory, a place where pottery was not merely created but crafted with the soul of its maker, Adrianus Kocx. Under his skilled hands, the factory ascended to the pinnacle of Delft pottery, holding a distinguished reputation that echoed throughout the arts community.
The artistry didn’t end there. Queen Mary II herself took notice. A ruler of England, Scotland, and Ireland, she championed the flourishing trend of Delft ceramics, allowing it to bloom and flourish on an international stage. Her patronage was a beacon, lighting the way for the aesthetic to reach distant lands and eager admirers.
As you gaze upon this ceramic wonder, let your mind wander to the time when it was born—when the air was rich with possibility and creativity flowed like the water that nourished the flowers it would someday cradle. This flower pyramid is not merely an object; it is a bridge connecting us to a vibrant history, beckoning us to reflect on the enduring values of Faith, Hope, and Love that it embodies.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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