Caster
MakerProbably made by
James & Ralph Clews
(English, 1818 - 1834)
After a work byAfter a drawing by
Samuel Maverick
Dateabout 1830
MediumMechanically-molded buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze and underglaze cobalt blue decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x diameter): 4 3/4 x 2 1/2in. (12.1 x 6.4cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Morgan B. Brainard, Jr.
Object number1978.102.24
DescriptionCaster of buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze, a type of ceramic known as pearlware. The round caster has a bluster shape with a flared foot, curved sides, and a domed top pierced with several holes. There is also a hole in the bottom. The caster is decorated with a transfer-printed, underglaze cobalt blue pattern titled "LANDING/ OF/ GEN.LAFAYETTE/ AT/ NEW YORK/ 1824". The title appears in an oval area on the side of the caster that is surrounded by flowers. On the opposite side the actual pattern appears. In the foreground of the pattern, five, or possibly six, cannons rest on a stone wall, pointing to a body of water in the middle and background of the scene. The cannons are emitting smoke, suggesting that they have been recently fired. To the right, a bridge crosses over the water to a structure with a flag flying above. In the middle and to the left are two large ships floating in water, both with water wheels, masts, and rigging. Two smaller sail boats are also floating in the water. The pattern is printed in a roughly oval shape and is surrounded by a border that appears on the domed top, sides, and foot of the caster. The border consists of clusters of large and small flowers with long leaves on a background of dark blue. The pattern was applied with several flaws, and the blue seems to have rubbed off an area to the lower right of the scene. This would have happened at the time of manufacture. One small area, just below the title, lacks a glaze and reveals the earthenware below. One of the holes in the domed pierced top of the caster has an additional chip.
NotesHistorical Note: This scene shows the arrival of the Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834) on 16 August 1824, at Castle Garden, New York City. The event was the occasion for one of the most momentous celebrations in New York City's history. In the pattern, the two three-masted ships, decorated with flags, at the left of Castle Garden are the "Robert Fulton" and the "Chancellor Livingston". The salute is being fired by six cannons on shore. (Hunt 9/30/2004)Status
Not on view
