Paten 1716 - 1717

This silver paten was crafted by Joseph Clare between 1713 and 1728. Notice its inscription along the rim, a common feature indicating its sacred purpose in the Christian ritual of Eucharist, where bread is consecrated. The paten, a plate, becomes a stage, holding not just bread but profound symbolism, a ritual of transformation. We see the echo of ancient platters used in pagan rituals, vessels of sacrifice, and offering. In the Renaissance, such forms resurfaced laden with classical motifs, a rebirth of ancient ideals. This seemingly simple disc, then, is a potent carrier of cultural memory. Consider the shift—from sacrificial offerings to emblems of divine grace—each iteration layered with meaning. This metamorphosis of symbols reflects our collective psyche, perpetually recasting the past in the light of the present, engaging us in a dialogue across centuries.