Smith Art Gallery & Museum | Details | Charles II commemorative charger

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Actions Displays	Charles II commemorative charger Remove from selection Add to selection Reproduction Download mediaDownload as zip file Object number21754.432 TitleCharles II commemorative charger DescriptionThis elaborately engraved, large pewter dish is called a charger. It was made in 1662 to commemorate the restoration of Charles II as king, following the period of Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth. The restoration in 1660 sparked a revival in the arts, which coincided with a time where households were starting to embrace modern pewter ware. This is one of only thirty-five Charles II commemorative chargers known to exist. It is a beautiful object, with an intricate design made using a technique known as wrigglework. Each of the marks and lines were made using a narrow chisel-like blade, which the maker rocked slightly from side to side. This created a zig-zag groove – known today as wrigglework. A closer look reveals how this charger celebrates the return of the king. In the centre appears the royal arms of Charles II with the phrase ‘Vivat Rex Carolus Secundus Beati Paci 1662’ (Long live King Charles the Second, Vision of Peace). Equally spaced around the rim there is the sun, a monogrammed garland, and two Tudor roses. There are some delicate tulips, a flower so fashionable in the 17th century that the term tulipmania was coined! And of course, there are branches of oak leaves and acorns. The oak is an ancient Stuart badge and Charles wore oak leaves when he returned from exile in France to assume his throne. Production placeEngland Object nameCharger MaterialPewter Dimensions Diameter: 552 mm

Reproduction

Download mediaDownload as zip file

Object number21754.432

TitleCharles II commemorative charger

DescriptionThis elaborately engraved, large pewter dish is called a charger. It was made in 1662 to commemorate the restoration of Charles II as king, following the period of Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth. The restoration in 1660 sparked a revival in the arts, which coincided with a time where households were starting to embrace modern pewter ware. This is one of only thirty-five Charles II commemorative chargers known to exist. It is a beautiful object, with an intricate design made using a technique known as wrigglework. Each of the marks and lines were made using a narrow chisel-like blade, which the maker rocked slightly from side to side. This created a zig-zag groove – known today as wrigglework. A closer look reveals how this charger celebrates the return of the king. In the centre appears the royal arms of Charles II with the phrase ‘Vivat Rex Carolus Secundus Beati Paci 1662’ (Long live King Charles the Second, Vision of Peace). Equally spaced around the rim there is the sun, a monogrammed garland, and two Tudor roses. There are some delicate tulips, a flower so fashionable in the 17th century that the term tulipmania was coined! And of course, there are branches of oak leaves and acorns. The oak is an ancient Stuart badge and Charles wore oak leaves when he returned from exile in France to assume his throne.

Production placeEngland

Object nameCharger

MaterialPewter

Dimensions

Diameter: 552 mm