Plate
MakerMade by
Andrew Stevenson
(English, 1816 - 1830)
Date1816-1830
MediumMechanically-molded buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze and underglaze cobalt blue decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (diameter): 7 1/4in. (18.4cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Morgan B. Brainard, Jr.
Object number1978.102.14
DescriptionSmall, round plate of buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze, a type of ceramic known as pearlware. The plate is decorated with a transfer-printed underglaze cobalt blue pattern titled, "State House Hartford" on the back. The pattern shows a neoclassical, or Federal style, building. The building sits on a tall, stone first floor, with two brick storeys above it. The structure has a projecting portico with six columns, a balustrade, and four chimneys emerging from the roof. There are two tall trees on either side of the building and a fence in the background. A man with a cane or walking stick is standing on the lawn in front of the building. The pattern is surrounded by a narrow, white, scalloped line, then a border that covers the rim. This border has various flowers and leaves on a blue background, that fades from dark blue at the outer edge of the border to light blue at the inner edge of the border. There is a final line of small white geometric shapes at the outer edge of the rim.
Three groups of stilt marks are visible on the top and bottom of the rim of the plate. There are also three small gouges in the ceramic directly over the pattern. All of the surfaces of the plate have a minor amount of crazing. There is a short crack at the rim, which leads toward the center of the plate.
NotesSubject Note: The Connecticut State House was designed by Charles Bulfinch of Boston, and built by Jeremiah Halsey of Preston, Connecticut, and Andrew Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. The first session of the General Assembly was held in the State House on 11 May 1796. In 1878, the State House was turned over for use as a City Hall. In 1915, the Old State House was abandoned, and used intermittently for various non-governmental purposes. Several restoration projects took place over the following years, and in 1961, the Old State House was designated a National Historic Landmark. (Hunt 11/4/2004)Three groups of stilt marks are visible on the top and bottom of the rim of the plate. There are also three small gouges in the ceramic directly over the pattern. All of the surfaces of the plate have a minor amount of crazing. There is a short crack at the rim, which leads toward the center of the plate.
Status
Not on view
