Plate

This blue and white transfer-printed earthenware plate made by the Staffordshire firm of Enoch Wood & Sons features a view of the Massachusetts State House in Boston. Commonly known as the Boston State House, the structure was built from 1795 to 1797 in the Neoclassical Adam style after designs by Boston architect Charles Bulfinch (1763–1844). One of the most admired American public buildings of the period, its prominent central dome helped set the standard for state houses and capitol buildings throughout the nation. Because government buildings symbolized the political power of a young nation, they often decorated transfer-printed export wares destined for consumption by patriotic American consumers. Other famous examples include the United States Capitol building in Washington, District of Columbia also designed in part by Bulfinch, which appears on a platter, 14.102.65, by William Ridgway & Co. (ca. 1834–1854), a platter, 14.102.68, by John & William Ridgway (ca. 1834–1854) and a plate, 14.102.131, by Ralph Stevenson & Williams (ca. 1825–1827). Another Bulfinch creation, the State Capitol in Hartford, Connecticut, appears on a plate, 14.102.160, by Job & John Jackson (1831–1835). Wood & Sons' view of the Boston State House was based on an 1804 watercolor sketch by an unknown artist named Dobbins. The firm modified Dobbins' composition by embellishing the cornices, pediment, roof and windows of the State House and adding a horse, sulky and three figures in the foreground. Dobbins' composition also inspired similar views by Joseph Stubbs (1822–1836) and John Rogers & Son (ca. 1815–1842). Rogers' version of the State House embellishes two plates, 10.57.13 and 14.102.228, in the collection. The American Wing’s 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.