Charger 1632

This Charger was made by Balthasar Dauman from Germany in the 17th century. It’s crafted from pewter, a material often associated with the burgeoning middle class of the era. Consider the historical backdrop against which Dauman worked; Europe was in the throes of the Thirty Years' War, a conflict deeply rooted in religious and political tensions. This charger, with its delicate, almost fragile etchings, stands in stark contrast to the brutal realities of the time. Who was invited to eat from this plate? What did the owner eat? Was it more for show than everyday use? The charger is decorated with a ring of raised circular decorations around its perimeter. Floral patterns have been etched into the metal. In its quiet way, this charger speaks volumes about the intersection of art, history, and the everyday lives of people. It is a looking glass into the past.