Dish 1720 - 1750

This pewter dish was crafted by Joseph Leddel Senior in the early 18th century, a seemingly simple object, yet it carries a weighty symbol. Notice the maker's mark. The symbolic power of the cross transcends Leddel's time, appearing in ancient cruciform layouts, such as those of temples and city grids to suggest a meeting place between the divine and the earthly realms. We can recognize how this symbol, over time, has been imbued with layers of meaning, from religious to secular. The cross becomes shorthand for salvation, hope, sacrifice, and faith. Consider, too, the subtle interplay between the artist's signature and this symbol; the dish is not merely a utilitarian object, but becomes an expression of personal belief and cultural identity. The cross reflects how deeply ingrained collective memory is in our subconscious, influencing our interpretations and responses, even to seemingly mundane objects.