Fragment van kruik, stuk gegoten lood c. 1590 - 1596

This is an anonymous fragment of a jug, made from cast lead. The unknown maker of this object offers us a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, and the everyday objects they used. Because the artist is unknown, it’s easy to see how this seemingly simple object invites us to consider the lives of those who are often overlooked in historical narratives. This artifact reminds us that history is not just about the famous, but also about the countless unnamed individuals whose stories shape our world. The jug’s fragmented state is poignant. The damage this piece has sustained mirrors the fragmentation of historical knowledge itself. It evokes questions about what is lost, forgotten, and what we choose to remember. This little fragment asks us to contemplate the passage of time, and the marks we leave behind.