Plate
This blue and white transfer-printed earthenware platter made by the Staffordshire firm of James & Ralph Clews features a view from the “America and Independence" series illustrating approximately fourteen buildings surrounded by the "States" border produced for the United States export market. The series is also known as the "Arms of the States." Although two buildings in the series are sometimes identified as the White House, most appear to be anonymous English buildings such as the one in the present view. The border for the series typically contains the names of fifteen states in swags of ribbon separated by stars. However some pieces include the names of eighteen states. To the left of each view an allegorical female figure wearing a blindfold inscribed "JUSTICE" holds an oval portrait medallion of the nation’s founding father, George Washington (1732–1799). To the right an allegorical female figure symbolizing American independence from Great Britain holds a liberty pole with a Phrygian cap inscribed "LIBERTY." The title of the series, "AMERICA AND INDEPENDENCE," appears beneath the two figures. The American Wing's collection contains additional pieces by Clews, including others from the same series. Refer to the Dictionary for a definition of the term "transfer printing" and for information about Clews.
Artwork Details
- Title: Plate
- Maker: James and Ralph Clews (British, Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, active ca. 1818–36)
- Date: ca. 1815–ca. 1834
- Geography: Made in Staffordshire, England
- Culture: British (American market)
- Medium: Earthenware, transfer-printed
- Dimensions: Diam. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm)
- Credit Line: Bequest of Mary Mandeville Johnston, from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. S. Johnston, 1914
- Object Number: 14.102.179
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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James and Ralph Clews (British, Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, active ca. 1818–36)
ca. 1824–34
James and Ralph Clews (British, Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, active ca. 1818–36)
ca. 1815–ca. 1834
James and Ralph Clews (British, Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, active ca. 1818–36)
ca. 1821–ca. 1834
James and Ralph Clews (British, Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, active ca. 1818–36)
ca. 1825–ca. 1834
James and Ralph Clews (British, Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, active ca. 1818–36)
ca. 1822–ca. 1834
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