Tazza 1710 - 1711

This silver Tazza was crafted by Pierre Platel, a Huguenot silversmith, active in London in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Platel, like many Huguenots, fled religious persecution in France. Crafting luxury items like this tazza allowed Huguenot artisans to integrate into British society, and in turn, they significantly influenced British silver design. While this piece embodies wealth and status, it also stands as a symbol of religious conflict, migration, and cultural exchange. The tazza represents the lives and skills of refugees who reshaped the artistic landscape of their new home. Consider the weight and sheen of the silver, and the artistry required to create such a refined object. It offers a glimpse into the complex narratives of identity, faith, and craftsmanship that shaped early modern Europe.