Jug with a representation of the electors c. 1590 - 1620

This salt-glazed jug with a representation of the electors was made by Jan Baldems Mennicken. The choice of subject matter in decorative arts like this jug reflects the socio-political currents of its time. During the historical period when this jug was produced, the Holy Roman Empire was composed of electors who held significant power in choosing the emperor. The coats of arms on the jug aren't just decorative; they speak to the representation of power and allegiance. Imagine holding this jug, feeling its weight and texture. It’s not just a vessel; it’s a historical document, a silent narrator of political landscapes and social hierarchies. Consider how an object like this—functional yet adorned with symbols of authority—would have been perceived. How might it have maintained or challenged the status quo of the time? The jug becomes a personal, tactile link to a distant, complex past.