Dish 1707 - 1717

This tin-glazed earthenware dish was made around 1772 by the De Metaale Pot Factory. It commemorates the coronation of Charles as Holy Roman Emperor. At the center, a crowned double-headed eagle brandishing swords represents imperial power. Consider the cultural context of the late 18th century, a period marked by both the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and the consolidation of monarchical power. This dish, with its detailed heraldry and Latin inscriptions, is a symbol of imperial authority. But it's also an object made for everyday use. The blue and white color scheme recalls Delftware, a pottery tradition deeply embedded in Dutch identity and trade. It represents the intersection of global commerce and national pride. This plate is not just a functional object, but a carrier of political and cultural meaning, reflecting the complex interplay between power, identity, and everyday life.