Pitcher
Decorative Arts and Design
This ceramic object celebrates George Washington, the hero of the War of Independence and the first American president. The cult of the Founding Fathers began even while those national heroes were still alive. Washington, in particular, but also Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, enjoyed a celebrity status that is difficult for us to appreciate, even in our age of instant fame and media-generated notoriety. Upon his death in 1799, it was even proposed that Washington be buried in a pyramid in emulation of ancient Egyptian pharaohs.
MEDIUM
Glazed earthenware
DATES
ca. 1790
DIMENSIONS
Height: 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm)
Diameter of Base: 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
(show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER
60.12.70
CREDIT LINE
Bequest of James Hazen Hyde
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Glazed earthenware pitcher (creamware) with transfer-printed black decoration. Map of America with Washington, Liberty and Franklin on one side. On the other side, a poem in a reserve surrounded by trophies and a banner saying "Independence" and a wreathed hat saying "Liberty."
Condition: Spout chipped and cracked. Some discoloration of glaze.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Unknown. Pitcher, ca. 1790. Glazed earthenware, Height: 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Bequest of James Hazen Hyde, 60.12.70. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 60.12.70_bw.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 60.12.70_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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