Karel I, koning van Engeland Possibly 1720 - 1880

This Delftware plate depicts Charles I, King of England, and was made by an anonymous artist. The execution of Charles I in 1649 sent shockwaves through Europe. This portrait, immortalized on a Delftware plate, speaks to the complex interplay of politics, identity, and memory. Charles’s regal bearing—the wide-brimmed hat, the lace collar, and the star on his cloak—are all markers of power. Yet, the Delftware medium, with its origins in the imitation of Chinese porcelain, hints at broader networks of trade and cultural exchange. The choice to commemorate Charles I on a relatively common household item suggests an attempt to preserve his image in the face of revolutionary upheaval. This plate isn’t just a portrait; it’s a statement about power, loss, and the enduring nature of memory.