Charger
CultureEnglish
Dateca. 1688
MediumEarthenware with tin glaze (delftware)
DimensionsOverall: 12 1/2 inches (31.75 cm)
Credit LineGift of Frank P. Burnap
Object number53-44
On View
On viewGallery Location
- 112
Collections
DescriptionDecorated with full-length figure of Queen Mary, with yellow crown; dressed in blue garment with all-over dotted circle pattern; yellow bodice extending into train borne by page, right. Blue-green and puce tree-brances, right and left. Blue andyellow terrain. Yellow stripe below rim; blue dashes on rim. Initials "M R". Perhaps Queen Mary of Modena, second wife of King James II.Gallery LabelThis charger probably commemorates Queen Mary, Catholic wife of James II (1658-1718), and the birth of her son, the Prince of Wales. He later became James III (1688-1766), exiled leader of the Jacobites, who unsuccessfully attempted to restore the English throne to the Catholic Stuarts.
The use of political motifs on 17th- and 18th-century ceramics is much like today's use of political imagery: to display loyalty to a political party or cause. Many of the images of English royalty on the objects in this case were inspired by popular paintings and prints that were translated onto ceramic objects. The large dishes in this case, called chargers, were primarily decorative pieces though they may have been used for serving on special occasions.
These delftware chargers represent ceramic objects that were used as blatant propaganda. King Charles I (reign 1625-49) was unpopular for his excessive spending and careless leadership. Here, with sword drawn, the king is portrayed as a successful and powerful military leader, contrary to his public image. Also unpopular, Queen Mary I, Catholic wife of James II (reign 1685-88), is shown with her young son, James, in an effort to appeal to the general public as the mother of the heir to the throne.
The use of political motifs on 17th- and 18th-century ceramics is much like today's use of political imagery: to display loyalty to a political party or cause. Many of the images of English royalty on the objects in this case were inspired by popular paintings and prints that were translated onto ceramic objects. The large dishes in this case, called chargers, were primarily decorative pieces though they may have been used for serving on special occasions.
These delftware chargers represent ceramic objects that were used as blatant propaganda. King Charles I (reign 1625-49) was unpopular for his excessive spending and careless leadership. Here, with sword drawn, the king is portrayed as a successful and powerful military leader, contrary to his public image. Also unpopular, Queen Mary I, Catholic wife of James II (reign 1685-88), is shown with her young son, James, in an effort to appeal to the general public as the mother of the heir to the throne.
Mr. Frank P. Burnap (1861-1957), Kansas City, MO, by 1953;
His gift to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 1953.
Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information,
is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete.
Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a
particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum.
If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image,
please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.
Stanton Macdonald-Wright
1966-1967
2016.14.1
