Plate (one of a set of twelve)

Art Historical Context

This exquisite silver plate, crafted by London silversmith Thomas Farren in 1715/16, is one of a luxurious set of twelve from the early Georgian era. Measuring just under an inch high and nearly 10 inches across, it weighs a substantial 18 ounces, underscoring the opulence of fine British silverwork. Hallmarked for authenticity, such pieces were hallmarks of elite households, used to display wealth during formal dinners. The plate's defining feature is its engraved coat of arms, a heraldic emblem symbolizing family lineage, status, or allegiance—common in 18th-century decorative arts. Silver,...