Artist Revives 18th-Century Romantic Tradition with Vintage Plate Paintings
Artist Susannah Carson adds delicate paintings to vintage plates.
Contemporary artist Susannah Carson is reimagining the 18th-century tradition of lover's eyes by adding delicate paintings of eyes and faces to vintage plates. Each painting is rendered in a style that evokes the original tradition, with human gazes appearing in the center of the dishes and staring at the viewer calmly and directly.
The form of the dish acts as a frame, bordering Carson's handiwork with decorative patterns and enhancing the nostalgic feel of the paintings. Carson's intention is to create a sense of intimacy and connection through her artwork, inviting viewers to share their own stories in return.
These unique artworks can be purchased on Carson's website, allowing art enthusiasts to bring a piece of this romantic tradition into their own homes.
These works are inspired by the tradition of “lover's eye” paintings from the Georgian period.
The inspiration behind Susannah Carson's artworks comes from the tradition of lover's eye paintings that emerged during the Georgian period in England from the 18th to early 19th century. These miniatures were commissioned by wealthy individuals and worn as accessories, often in the form of bracelets and pendants, to symbolize affection and devotion to loved ones.
Carson's paintings pay homage to this romantic tradition by capturing the beauty and intensity of human gazes on vintage plates. Her artworks evoke the sentimentality and emotional connection associated with lover's eyes, creating a bridge between the past and the present through her unique interpretations.
By continuing this artistic tradition, Carson invites viewers to appreciate and engage with the rich history of lover's eye paintings.
In the past, these miniatures were kept for amorous reasons and worn as accessories.
During the Georgian period, lover's eye miniatures were highly valued and kept for sentimental reasons by wealthy Europeans. These miniature paintings were often worn as accessories, such as brooches or pendants, to symbolize romantic relationships or familial bonds.
The discreet nature of the lover's eye paintings allowed individuals to keep the identity of their loved ones private, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the tradition. Carson's contemporary take on lover's eyes brings this historical tradition into the present, allowing art enthusiasts to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of these artworks in a new way.
By painting eyes and faces on vintage plates, Carson revitalizes the tradition, giving it a fresh and modern twist.
Carson explores the beauty of this art form by adding depictions of the human gaze to vintage or found plates.
Susannah Carson's artistic exploration revolves around the beauty and power of the human gaze. By adding delicate depictions of eyes and faces to vintage or found plates, Carson creates a unique fusion of materials that enhances the beauty and preciousness of her artworks.
The vintage plates not only provide a canvas for Carson's paintings but also act as frames, bordering the miniature masterpieces with decorative patterns. This combination of the human gaze and vintage plates creates a captivating visual experience, inviting viewers to engage with the artworks on multiple levels.
Through her art, Carson celebrates the timeless allure of the human gaze and its ability to evoke emotions and connect with others.
Mixing her new handiwork with an older material makes these objects feel all the more precious.
The juxtaposition of contemporary paintings and vintage plates adds an extra layer of preciousness to Susannah Carson's artworks. By combining her delicate handiwork with an older material, Carson creates a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the past.
The vintage plates, with their intricate patterns and designs, serve as a reminder of the history and craftsmanship behind each piece. This blending of old and new creates a unique aesthetic that captures the attention of art enthusiasts and collectors.
Carson's artworks are not only visually compelling but also hold sentimental value, carrying the weight of tradition and history.
The plates even act as frames for the tiny masterpieces.
The vintage plates used by Susannah Carson not only serve as a canvas for her delicate paintings but also act as frames for the miniature masterpieces. The decorative borders and patterns on the plates enhance the visual impact of the artwork, creating a cohesive and harmonious composition.
This integration of the artwork and its frame adds an additional layer of aesthetic appeal, transforming the vintage plates into unique art objects. By utilizing the entire surface of the plates, Carson maximizes the impact of her paintings and creates a captivating viewing experience.
These framed artworks can be displayed and appreciated as standalone pieces, showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship of both the paintings and the plates.
References
Margherita Cole. (July 14, 2023). Artist Recreates 18th-Century Romantic “Lover’s Eyes” Tradition by Painting Eyes on Vintage Plates. mymodernmet.com.
My Recommendations
Privacy Notice
We use cookies to store your preferences and analyze how StoryPRO is used.
Your settings can be changed, including withdrawing your consent, at any time on our privacy policy page.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Marketing & Analytics Cookies
You agree to our use of strictly necessary cookies if you continue to use this website.
Content Restricted To Members
About Author