Plate

MakerMade by Staffordshire potteries (English, 17th century-present)

RetailerSold by Rowland & Marsellus Co. (American, founded mid 19th century)

Datelate 19th-early 20th century

MediumMechanically-molded earthenware with underglaze cobalt blue decoration

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (diameter): 9 7/8in. (25.1cm)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineBequest of Martha R. Lambert

Object number1979.68.167

DescriptionRound, earthenware plate with a transfer-printed underglaze cobalt blue pattern showing a man in a colonial-era naval uniform giving orders to his crew on the deck of a ship. The man stands to the right, with a fallen comrade at his feet. He holds a pistol in his right hand and is pointing to the left of the scene. To the left, several crew members man cannons and fight off an attack from a nearby ship. Sailors and the mast of the attacking ship are visible on the left, looming above the scene. The sky is cloudy, with a full moon above. This pattern is surrounded by a wide border at the rim of the plate, consisting of clusters of flowers and fruit. The entire plate has crazing over all the surfaces.

NotesSubject Note: Commodore John Paul Jones (1747-1792), considered the Father of the American Navy, earned his fame during the Revolutionary War. He took the war at sea to the British by attacking their coastlines and capturing their ships in home waters. John Paul Jones is best remembered for his defeat of the British 50-gun frigate "Serapis" on 23 September 1779 (the scene pictured on this plate) while in command of the "Bon Homme Richard". During this battle, when asked if he wished to surrender, Jones repied "I have not yet begun to fight". (Hunt 9/10/2004)

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