Plate

This brown and white transfer-printed and enamel decorated earthenware plate made by the Staffordshire firm of Enoch Wood & Sons features oval medallion portraits of George Washington (1732–1799) and General Lafayette (1757–1834) suspended from a ribbon in the mouth of an American spread eagle. The rim is decorated with molded Neoclassical anthemia motifs enameled in green, red and blue. A familiar figure on transfer-printed export wares destined for patriotic American consumers, Washington was famous for having served as a General during the American Revolutionary War and for his tenure as the first President of the United States. Lafayette was also well known in America for having served as Major General in Washington’s army and for the historic visit he paid to the United States in 1824. Washington's likeness on the right was based on a painting by American portrait painter Gilbert Stuart (1755–1828). Lafayette's portrait on the left was based on a work by New York engraver Samuel Maverick (1789–1845). Portraits of Washington and Lafayette also decorate other pieces in the American Wing’s collection, including several pieces, 64.84, 45.35.30 and 45.35.31, attributed to Ralph Hall & Son (ca. 1836–1841). Lafayette's historic visit to America also inspired views on a plate, 14.102.288, by James & Ralph Clews (ca. 1815–1834) and a coffeepot, 83.2.367, by Wood & Sons. Washington appears alone on another plate, 14.102.26, by Wood & Sons and on a pitcher, 1980.499.2, by an unknown maker. The collection also contains additional pieces by Wood & Sons. Refer to the Dictionary for a definition of the term "transfer printing" and for information about the above-mentioned firms.