Plate
This blue and white transfer-printed earthenware plate made by the Staffordshire firm of William Ridgway & Co. features a view of the tomb of George Washington (1732–1799), American Revolutionary hero and first President of the United States. The tomb is located at Mount Vernon, the Washington family estate on the Potomac River in Virginia. Mount Vernon was built in 1743 by Washington's elder half brother, Lawrence (1718–1752), and was named after a family friend, Admiral Edward Vernon (1684–1757) of the English navy. Washington acquired the estate upon his brother's death in 1752. When Washington himself died, he was buried on the property where the tomb was erected in his memory. Ridgway's view of the tomb was based on a drawing by English artist William Henry Bartlett (1809–1852) engraved by English engraver John Cousen (1804–1880) and reproduced as "The Tomb of Washington, Mount Vernon" in Nathaniel Parker Willis' "American Scenery" (London, 1840). Ridgway included the view in its "American Scenery" series of approximately sixteen views manufactured for the United States export market. The American Wing's collection contains additional pieces from the series, as well as original works by Bartlett. The Museum also has various editions of "American Scenery." Refer to the Dictionary for a definition of the term "transfer printing" and for information about Ridgway.
Artwork Details
- Title: Plate
- Maker: William Ridgway, Son & Co. (active ca. 1836–48)
- Date: ca. 1844–ca. 1848
- Geography: Made in Staffordshire, England
- Culture: British (American market)
- Medium: Earthenware, transfer-printed
- Dimensions: Diam. 9 5/8 in. (24.4 cm)
- Credit Line: Bequest of Mary Mandeville Johnston, from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. S. Johnston, 1914
- Object Number: 14.102.219
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
William Ridgway, Son & Co. (active ca. 1836–48)
ca. 1844–ca. 1846
William Ridgway, Son & Co. (active ca. 1836–48)
ca. 1844–ca. 1846
William Ridgway, Son & Co. (active ca. 1836–48)
ca. 1844–ca. 1846
Rosina Emmet (American, New York 1854–1948 New York)
ca. 1878–85
James and Ralph Clews (British, Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, active ca. 1818–36)
ca. 1821–ca. 1834
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.