Charger
Artist
William Talor
(English, born 1625)
Dateca. 1661
MediumEarthenware with slip and lead glaze
DimensionsOverall: 16 1/2 inches (41.91 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Burnap
Object number41-23/782
On View
On viewGallery Location
- 112
Collections
Gallery LabelThis charger commemorates the restoration of the British monarchy with the coronation of Charles II, seen here with the Archbishop of Canterbury placing the crown on the king's head. The artist has used delicate dots of white slip (liquefied clay) to create the king's lacy cuffs that encircle his long, slender fingers.
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. (1861-1957) and Mrs. Harriet C. (1866-1947) Burnap, Kansas City, MO, by 1941;
Their gift to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 1941.
Frank Davis, “A Page for Collectors: Crowned Heads by Simple Souls,” The Illustrated London News (June 27, 1953): (repro.).
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