Charger

Date1704-1711

MediumTin-glazed earthenware (delft)

DimensionsDiam: 13 9/16"; H: 2 9/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1969-96

DescriptionCircular, shallow bowl with narrow rim and small foot ring. Decorated with blue armored figure holding stick out to his left side; wearing yellow belt and cape and standing on green grass with sponge blue bushes and trees; initials "DO" flank head of figure. Rim with blue and yellow encircling lines and blue dashes; reverse with tin glaze and blue cross within foot ring.
Label TextJames Butler, second duke of Ormonde (1665-1745), succeeded the duke of Marlborough as captain-general of the English land forces in 1711. In 1714 he switched allegiance and was involved in the Jacobite rebellion in 1715. At least six men are represented on delft chargers in the same pose and costume seen here, the only difference being their initials. The most common are those with the duke of Marlborough (DM), Prince Eugene (PE), Prince George of Denmark (PG), and the duke of Ormonde (DO). Only two chargers are recorded with the initials GRI and only one with G2R. The initials PM on another charger may be a mistake on the part of the decorator.
InscribedInscribed "D O"
MarkingsNo
ProvenanceAvis & Roclwe;; Gardomer. American Antiques, Stamford, CT