Dish with a portrait of Jan van Leyden c. 1736

This is a dish with a portrait of Jan van Leyden made by an anonymous artist. The design on the plate is structured within a circular frame, typical of dishware, but this form is subverted by the ornate, swirling embellishments along the rim, creating a visual tension between utility and artistic expression. Inside, the monochromatic palette emphasizes the figures and their arrangement. The artist uses line and form to convey power and status. Jan van Leyden is portrayed on horseback, positioned centrally, his figure larger and more imposing than those around him. This hierarchy is further emphasized by the inscription below, anchoring him as the focal point. The two men attending to him add balance and depth, but also reinforce the central figure's dominance. This dish functions beyond its practical use, it serves as a potent symbol of authority, crafted from the very structure and composition of its design. It invites us to consider how power is visually constructed and consumed.