Plate 1700 - 1725

This pewter plate was made by James Hitchman in the early 18th century, and it features an engraved peacock. This bird, a symbol of immortality and pride, stretches its elaborate tail across the plate’s center. Since antiquity, the peacock has held powerful cultural significance. In ancient Greece and Rome, it was associated with royalty, often depicted alongside goddesses like Hera or Juno. But trace its flight further back, and you'll find in Babylonian lore, the peacock symbolized the celestial guardian, its eyes mirroring the stars above. This association evolved through the ages, surfacing again in early Christian art where the peacock symbolized resurrection. Observe how this symbol transcends its original contexts, resurfacing in Hitchman's craft. Here, the peacock suggests a dialogue across time and cultures, subtly echoing themes of vanity but also of renewal and immortality. This plate is a silent witness to the endurance of symbols—a testament to how ancient beliefs find new life in everyday objects.