Plate
This purple and white transfer-printed earthenware plate made by the Staffordshire firm of Job & John Jackson features a view of Harvard Hall (1764–1766) at Harvard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The view also includes portions of Stoughton Hall (1804–1805) to the left and Hollis Hall (1762–1763) to the right. Founded in 1636, Harvard is the nation's oldest college. American colleges and universities of international reputation such as Harvard were popular subjects for transfer-printed export wares because they appealed to patriotic American consumers as great examples of American architecture and symbols of higher learning. Another university depicted in the American Wing's collection of transfer-printed wares is Kentucky's Transylvania University on a plate, 14.102.315, by Enoch Wood & Sons (1818–1846). Different views of Harvard appear on a cup plate, 14.102.205, by Jackson and on a plate, 14.102.292, by Ralph Stevenson & Williams (ca. 1810–1835). Jackson's view of Harvard Hall with its distinctive white cupola was based on a drawing by American architect Alexander Jackson Davis (1803–1892) engraved by Fenner, Sears & Co. and reproduced as "Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass." in John Howard Hinton's "The History and Topography of the United States of North America" (London, 1830 and 1832). Jackson's version eliminated the portion of Davis' depiction that included Massachusetts Hall to the right and Holworthy Hall and Holden Chapel to the left and also eliminated several small figures in the distance. Jackson included the view in a series commonly known as "American Scenery" consisting of approximately thirty-two American views produced for the United States export market with a standard border of floral bouquets and blossoms, C-scrolls and an outer beaded band. The collection contains additional pieces by Jackson from the same series. Other engravings after Davis drawings also inspired views on another Jackson plate, 14.102.297, and on a pitcher, 98.1.8, by Ralph Stevenson (ca. 1810–1832). The collection also contains original drawings by Davis and pieces of furniture after Davis designs. Refer to the Dictionary for a definition of the term "transfer printing" and for information about Jackson.
Artwork Details
- Title: Plate
- Maker: Job & John Jackson (active 1831–35)
- Date: ca. 1831–ca. 1835
- Geography: Made in Staffordshire, England
- Culture: British (American market)
- Medium: Earthenware, transfer-printed
- Dimensions: Diam. 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm)
- Credit Line: Bequest of Mary Mandeville Johnston, from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. S. Johnston, 1914
- Object Number: 14.102.195
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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Job & John Jackson (active 1831–35)
ca. 1831–ca. 1835
Job & John Jackson (active 1831–35)
ca. 1831–ca. 1835
Job & John Jackson (active 1831–35)
ca. 1831–ca. 1835
Job & John Jackson (active 1831–35)
ca. 1831–ca. 1835
Job & John Jackson (active 1831–35)
ca. 1831–ca. 1835
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