Schenkpiring ter nagedachtenis van Anthonia Nilo, echtgenote van Joannes van Steelant 1709

This silver plate is a memorial for Anthonia Nilo, wife of Joannes van Steelant. Created by an anonymous artist, this piece offers a glimpse into the rituals and social structures of its time. In a society where women's identities were often defined by their marital status, this plate serves as a poignant marker of Anthonia’s life. The inscription, a tribute to her memory, speaks volumes about the values placed on women within marriage and family. The very act of commissioning such a piece suggests a certain level of social standing and economic means, reflecting the class dynamics of the period. Reflect on the stories that objects like these can tell us about the lives of women whose voices are often absent from historical records. It invites us to consider how commemorative objects both reflect and shape societal norms around gender, memory, and status.