Paten 1718 - 1719

This is a silver paten, or communion plate, made in England in the mid-18th century by John Sanders. Religious objects like this one shed light on the social and cultural history of the Church. In Georgian England, the Church of England was closely tied to the state and the aristocracy, and religious objects like this often reflected that close relationship. They signified not only faith but also social status and authority. Consider the craftsmanship involved in producing such an object. The silversmith, Sanders, was a skilled artisan working within a network of patrons and suppliers. London's Goldsmiths' Company oversaw the quality and standards of silver production, protecting the interests of both makers and consumers. To understand the significance of this paten, one can research the history of the Church of England, the role of silver in Georgian society, and the careers of silversmiths like Sanders. By considering its social and institutional context, we can appreciate how art reflects the values and structures of its time.