Plate
Physical Object
1986.008.3032
Nuestra Señora de Atocha (1622)
circa 1620
A fine-grade earthenware, majolica plate come from the wreck of the 1622 galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha. It is of a type called blue-on white, but the original white enamel background has deteriorated to a mottled gray from the long immersion in the sea. A blue “M” is painted prominently in the center of the interior of the plate. This likely represents the name of the owner, but exactly who that was is not clear, as there were multiple people on Atocha whose last name began with M. The plate is 21.6 centimeters in diameter. Glaze is flaking. 60% complete. The missing portion has not been located.