Soup Plate
This blue and white transfer-printed earthenware plate 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 a few views in the series are sometimes identified as American buildings, most appear to depict anonymous English buildings like the structure in the present view. Like this example, 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 another 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: Soup Plate
- Maker: James and Ralph Clews (British, Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, active ca. 1818–36)
- Date: ca. 1815–ca. 1834
- Geography: Made in Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, England
- Culture: British (American market)
- Medium: Earthenware, transfer-printed
- Dimensions: Diam. 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm)
- Credit Line: Bequest of May Leask, 1916
- Object Number: 16.83.3
- 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. 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
James and Ralph Clews (British, Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, active ca. 1818–36)
ca. 1822–ca. 1834
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