Evenveeltjespan 1754

This small, silver 'Evenveeltjespan,' or fritter pan, was made by Jan Borduur in the Netherlands, sometime between 1698 and 1766. While seemingly a mundane kitchen item, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the domestic sphere and culinary practices of the Dutch Golden Age. These pans were used to cook 'evenveeltjes,' small, sweet fritters, often enjoyed as treats. The pan’s design, with its three distinct indentations, suggests a focus on uniformity and presentation. Think of the prosperous merchant class of the era, their dining habits and their sophisticated social rituals. Objects such as this, while humble in scale, offer a tangible connection to the past. They remind us that art history isn't just about grand paintings and sculptures, but also about the everyday objects that shaped people’s lives and mirrored the values of their society. Delving into archival records and culinary history can reveal much about the culture that produced this seemingly simple pan.