Punch Bowl
1 of 6
Object Label
Commemorating the launch of a new trade ship, this punch bowl is unique for its political statements. Celebrating free trade with the incised message “Success to the Trade and Navigation in All Free States—North [Hudson] River,” the maker Cornelius Paulus also declared his abolitionist sentiments with the phrase “Freedom to the Slave G.W.”
Caption
American; Attributed to Cornelius Paulus. Punch Bowl, 1792. Earthenware, 7 1/8 x 16 1/2 x 16 1/2 in. (18.1 x 41.9 x 41.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 48.143. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Punch Bowl
Date
1792
Geography
Place made: United States
Medium
Earthenware
Classification
Dimensions
7 1/8 x 16 1/2 x 16 1/2 in. (18.1 x 41.9 x 41.9 cm)
Inscriptions
Incised on outer band of yellow slip: "Success to Trade and Navigation in All Free States--North River" and the initials "C.P."; incised on inner band of yellow slip: "August 17, 1792--Albany Packet Two Brothers"; inscribed in central medallion "Freedom / to the Slave / G.W."
Credit Line
Dick S. Ramsay Fund
Accession Number
48.143
Frequent Art Questions
Tell me more.
This earthenware bowl was created in 1792 by Cornelius Paulus. It reads “Success to the Trade and Navigation in All Free States— North [Hudson] River,” with “August 17, 1792—Albany Packet TWO BROTHERS” below. However, the inscription at the bottom reads “Freedom to the Slave G. W.” As you can see, it contains an abolitionist sentiment, though we don't know for certain who G.W. is here!
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