Plate
MakerMade by
Enoch Wood & Sons
(English, July 1818-1846)
SubjectScene from the life of
Commodore Thomas MacDonough
(American, 1783 - 1825)
After a work byAfter a painting by
H. Reinagle
After a work byAfter an engraving by
Benjamin Tanner
(American, 1775 - 1848)
Date1818-1846
MediumMechanically-molded ironstone with underglaze cobalt blue decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (diameter): 10in. (25.4cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineBequest of Martha R. Lambert
Object number1979.68.161
DescriptionRound, ironstone plate with a dark blue transfer-printed underglaze cobalt blue pattern, titled "COMMODORE MAC DONOUGHS VICTORY". The pattern shows nine sailing ships in a harbor, and two small figures standing in the foreground on a rocky shore looking out at the ships. The ships appear to be engaged in battle, as three ships are partially surrounded by smoke. There are low mountains in the distance and the sky is filled with clouds. The scene is surrounded by a border with large shells and small plants and flowers on a dark blue background, known as the "shell border" by Enoch Wood. All the surfaces of the plate have significant crazing, most visible on the bottom. Three stilt marks are visible on the top surface of the plate, which has also been lightly scratched and gouged, especially at the inner edge of the rim. Several dots of an unknown yellow substance in the upper left corner of the scene.
NotesSubject Note: Thomas MacDonough, Jr. (1783-1825) of Delaware is known for his service in the American Navy during the War with Tripoli and the War of 1812. His most notable victory was the Battle of Plattsburg, where he prevented the British from invading New York State on 11 September 1814. The plate, made specifically for the American markets, probably depicts this victory. Commodore MacDonough married Lucy Ann Shaler of Middletown, Connecticut, and was interred there after his death. (Hunt 9/10/2004)Source Note: This scene is after a painting by H. Reiangle, engraved by Benjamin Tanner (1775-1848), printed by Rogers and Esler, published 4 July 1816, by Benjamin Tanner, Philadelphia. The title of the engraving is "MacDonough's Victory on Lake Champlain and Defeat of the British Army at Plattsburg by Genl. Macomb, Septr. 11th, 1814". (Hunt 10/15/2004)
Historical Note: The home of Martha Ruhamah Tryon Lambert (1892-1979) was located at 712 Main Street in South Glastonbury, Connecticut.
Status
Not on view
