Dish with the coat of arms of Hendrik Peter Godfried Quack and Isabella Gertraud von Carnap c. 1790 - 1800

This is a faience dish by E. Blancheron, featuring the coat of arms of Hendrik Peter Godfried Quack and Isabella Gertraud von Carnap. Dishes like these were quite a statement. Commissioning such a piece announced a family’s status, wealth and lineage during a time when social identity was closely linked to heritage. It's interesting to consider how objects like these contributed to the construction and maintenance of social hierarchies. Beyond its function as a status symbol, this dish speaks to the intimate sphere of domestic life. It evokes questions about the roles of Hendrik and Isabella within their household. What was their relationship like, and how did they perceive their place in society? Consider the emotional weight carried by objects passed down through generations, each one imbued with stories and memories. This dish not only reflects social status, but also the personal connections and emotional landscapes of the people who once used it.