Feeding the Hungry c. 1510 - 1520

This enameled glass roundel depicts a scene of charity, though its maker and date remain unknown. As an object made anonymously, its function was likely didactic and devotional. The work offers a glimpse into the social values of its time, a period marked by stark class divisions and profound economic inequalities. It suggests a society grappling with questions of social responsibility and the moral obligations of the wealthy towards the poor. What do you think about how the artist depicts the act of giving? Look at the figures of the poor and needy who are depicted with vulnerability and dependence. How does this shape your understanding of their social standing and lived experiences? The depiction of disability and poverty can spark questions about the agency and dignity afforded to marginalized individuals in historical contexts. How does that make you feel? Consider how this artwork might perpetuate or challenge prevailing social norms and power structures. It invites us to reflect on our own attitudes towards wealth, poverty, and social justice.