Plate
1 of 2
Caption
John Mackie Falconer (American, 1820–1903). Plate, ca. 1875. Porcelain, 1 1/8 x 9 x 9 in. (2.9 x 22.9 x 22.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Emma and Jay Lewis, 1992.163.2. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Decorator
Manufacturer
Title
Plate
Date
ca. 1875
Geography
Place manufactured: Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, United States
Medium
Porcelain
Classification
Dimensions
1 1/8 x 9 x 9 in. (2.9 x 22.9 x 22.9 cm)
Inscriptions
In the rim, at bottom: "BROOKLYN. L.I."
Markings
On front, in bouge near sitter's arm: "JMF 1875" On back painted in gray: "8 / a / Philosopher / J. M. Falconer / pinxt / made...... / Union Porcelain Wor... / ... L.I. / Decr. 6/75"
Credit Line
Gift of Emma and Jay Lewis
Accession Number
1992.163.2
Frequent Art Questions
Please tell me about this plate.
The plate itself was manufactured in Brooklyn at the Union Porcelain Works which was the largest porcelain manufacturer in America. The decoration around the rim and profile "philosopher" figure in the center were actually hand painted, likely by a professional or amateur artist. This kind of of china painting was quite common at the time. Artists would purchase white plates, referred to as "blanks," and then hand paint them. This type of object would likely have been displayed in the home as art, rather than being used as a functional plate to eat from.
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