Commemorative Plate Depicting The Roman Emperors, Nuremberg (1660–1680)

This richly decorated German ceremonial dish features several concentric decorative bands in high relief depicting six emperors of the Holy Roman Empire and their coats of arms: Charles V (1519–1556), Ferdinand I (1556–1564), Maximilian II (1564–1576), Rudolf II (1576–1612), Matthias I (1612–1619), and Ferdinand II (1619–1637). The recessed medallion in the center of the plate depicts a dynamic equestrian effigy of Ferdinand III (1637–1657) with his royal regalia. The central section is framed by a double ring of inlaid stones, consisting of a circle of dark red cabochons and a contrasting ring of square-cut turquoises. The spaces in between are filled with finely chiseled volutes and acanthus leaves, characteristic of princely Renaissance ornamentation.