Plaat, beschilderd met de verzoeking in de woestijn 1660

This is a tin-glazed earthenware plate, made in the Netherlands, depicting the temptation of Christ in the desert. It's fascinating how biblical scenes found their way onto everyday objects. The image shows a moment from the Gospel of Matthew. Here, Satan, disguised as a common peddler, tempts a fasting Christ to turn stones into bread. Angels attend Jesus, a testament to his divine protection. We see a society steeped in religious imagery, where even the most mundane objects served as constant reminders of faith and morality. These plates were common in Dutch households and were often displayed. The imagery was not just decorative, but also instructional. As historians, we can use probate inventories, religious pamphlets, and other archival materials to understand the role of these objects in shaping the religious imagination of ordinary people. Ultimately, this plate invites us to reflect on the intersection of faith, commerce, and daily life in the Dutch Golden Age.