Sideboard dish 1717 - 1718

This 18th century silver dish, created by French silversmith Lewis Mettayer, is a prime example of the craftsmanship of the period. It features an ornate, scalloped rim adorned with intricate floral motifs and a central coat of arms. This piece, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies the decorative and functional artistry of silverwork in the early 18th century. The dish's weight and size suggest it was likely used for formal dining occasions by the wealthy and influential. The presence of the coat of arms hints at its potential use for a specific family or noble house.