Cameos
MakerAttributed to
The Hartford Faience Co.
(founded 1895)
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
George Douglas Rankin Sr.
(American)
Dateabout 1915-1930
MediumCast blue and white porcelain
DimensionsComponent (diameter of .32): 1 3/4in. (4.4cm)
Component (diameter of .33 and .34): 1 7/8in. (4.8cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Margaret Rankin
Object number1986.160.32-.34
DescriptionGroup of three blue and white porcelain cameos containing motifs relating to Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. The cameos are round and domed, and have a series of raised words and borders around a central raised, white porcelain decoration. In the middle is a building and thirteen stars inside a shield. A crown sits above the shield, also in white porcelain. A key emerges from the top left and lower right corners of the shield. A scepter emerges from the top right and lower left of the shield. The remainder of the surrounding decoration is in raised blue porcelain. Below the shield, a Latin motto sppears inside a banner: " PREA CLESIA ET PATRIA". Circling above the shield are the words "SICILL. COLL. TRIN SANC". The shield, banner, and words all sit on a textured background and are surrounded by a circular raised band, then a border of small, impressed leaves.
Although the three cameos were made from the same mold, they are not all of the same quality. On cameo .33, the lower left corner of the shield is not complete, perhaps the result of air pockets in the porcelain during manufacture. On cameo .34, three small bubble remnants dot the left side of the border, while the lower right side of the border is not as crisp as other decorations. Finally, cameo .35 has an unknown yellow substance left in a few crevaces around the circular border. All of these conditions probably resulted during manufacture.
NotesHistorical Note: George Douglas Rankin, the donor's father, was the President of the Hartford Faience Company in Hartford, Connecticut.Although the three cameos were made from the same mold, they are not all of the same quality. On cameo .33, the lower left corner of the shield is not complete, perhaps the result of air pockets in the porcelain during manufacture. On cameo .34, three small bubble remnants dot the left side of the border, while the lower right side of the border is not as crisp as other decorations. Finally, cameo .35 has an unknown yellow substance left in a few crevaces around the circular border. All of these conditions probably resulted during manufacture.
Historical Note: These are said to have been made from molds taken of the doorknobs at Trinity College.
Status
Not on view
