Plate 1630 - 1675

This pewter plate, made by Paulus Öham the younger, gives us a glimpse into the visual culture of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Öham, working in a time of religious reformation and social upheaval, created this piece as both functional and decorative. The imagery around the edge of the plate is fascinating. It uses scenes from classical mythology and biblical stories, reflecting the intersection of humanist and religious thought of the period. Consider how the depiction of women in these scenes might reflect the societal expectations and constraints placed upon them during this time. The plate would have been used within a specific social context, perhaps as a display of wealth, status and education, or to facilitate discussions around shared cultural knowledge. As you look at the plate, think about the stories it tells and the values it represents. Notice how these stories and values ​​might have been used to reinforce social hierarchies, but also how they might have offered a sense of shared identity and meaning for the owner of this object.