Charger 1723 - 1724

This silver charger was crafted by Paul de Lamerie. At its heart lies an elaborate coat of arms, a symbol laden with heraldic devices. These symbols tell tales of lineage and identity, echoing ancient emblems found on shields and banners. Consider the scallop shell, a common motif, and its rich history. Pilgrims once wore it as a badge, signaling their devotion to St. James, yet it hearkens back further, to Venus, the Roman goddess born from the sea foam, the embodiment of love and beauty. The heads, leaves, and shell-like decor bordering the plate remind us of nature, yet they are tamed and formalized, carrying with them the powerful legacy of classicism. These forms become vessels of memory, resurfacing across epochs in an unending cycle.