Vijzel met opschrift: GERRIT TONISSEN HEFT MI LATEN GIETEN Ao 1568 1568

This bronze mortar was cast in 1568 by Willem Wegewart, and the inscription tells us it was commissioned by Gerrit Tonissen. Objects like this one can offer a fascinating window onto the social and cultural history of the Northern Renaissance. Note the inscription, which tells us about a patron, Gerrit Tonissen, who was wealthy enough to commission such a piece. The presence of the Wegewart mark tells us about the importance of guilds and craftsmanship at this time in the Netherlands. The decoration shows that this was not just a utilitarian object, but something made to be displayed. How was it used? What does it tell us about food preparation at the time? About the use of spices and medicine? About the status of the owner? All these questions can be explored through further historical research, and objects such as this can tell us a great deal about the lives of ordinary people.