Dish Depicting King William III and Queen Mary II of England
c. 1688–1727
Medium
Tin-glazed earthenware
Dimensions
Diam.: 32.7 cm (12 7/8 in.)
Classification
earthenware
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
109250
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Produced before England developed its own porcelain industry, this dish was made from coarse earthenware coated with a smooth, white, tin-based glaze onto which the colored design was applied. Although decorated in a simple, vernacular style, it embodies a popular nationalist design sensibility—including commemorating the continuity of a Protestant monarchy—and was intended for display rather than use.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...