Accession Number

2006.011.0001

Alternate object names

Filigree Tray

Creation Date

circa 1620

Exhibition Label

Case/ Object Caption (2023): 

Chargers
Silver (c.1620)
Gifts of Taffi Fisher-Abt, Harris Foundation/Museum Acquisition Fund, Jamestown Inc.
2006.011.0001, 2007.011.0001, 2008.012.0001, 1986.008.1730 

On formal occasions, wealthy people used chargers to add grandeur to more practical tableware. Chargers would stay in place on the table, elegantly framing different plates of food for each course, or servants would carry a laden platter into the dining room on a charger. Chargers were a way for the host to demonstrate his or her wealth while showing respect for guests by offering them food in the most lavish possible way.

There were multiple examples of filigree chargers on the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, and though of varying size, they all had the same pattern, suggesting they were part of a matched set.