Charger

Date1658 (dated)

MediumTin-glazed earthenware (delft)

DimensionsD: 12 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1968-104

DescriptionShallow charger with everted rim and thick foot ring. Thin bluish tin glaze was on the back; white tin glaze on the front decorated in polychrome with a full-length crowned figure in armor thought to be Charles I, standing in an archway between two columns. Outlining and wash on armor in deep blue; boots, sword, and hair in manganese; cape, columns, and ceiling in rich orange-yellow with orange-brown detailing; sleeves, leafage, and floor stripes in an unusual mixed green of antimony over copper. Inscribed with date 1658.
Label TextThis is one of three recorded Charles I chargers, all of which are dated after his death and during the Commonwealth period. It is also possible that this charger was produced in anticipation of Charles II's accession to the throne, since Cromwell died in 1658. The chargers are believed to have derived from an engraving of about 1640. The charger most like the engraving is the earliest of the three, dated 1653, which includes Charles's children. This is a simpler version of the one dated 1657, both of which show Charles in the mirror image of the same pose in the earlier charger. For more Charles I commemorative examples, see CWF accessions 1959-51 (a porringer) and 1979-395 (a cistern).

The London attribution for this charger is based on the subject and the early date.
Inscribed"1658"
MarkingsNo
ProvenanceJ.W.I. Glaisher
Mrs. F.L. Dickson
Tilley & Co., London