Saucer
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): 5 3/8in. (13.7cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of the heirs of Morgan B. Brainard
Object number1961.1.31
DescriptionRound saucer of buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze, a type of ceramic known as pearlware. The saucer is decorated with a transfer-printed underglaze cobalt blue pattern titled, "State House Hartford" on the bottom. 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. At one time, the saucer broke into two pieces, damage which has since been repaired. There is some yellow discoloration around the crack and three additional chips on the rim.
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)Status
Not on view
