Cameo
MakerAttributed to
The Hartford Faience Co.
(founded 1895)
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
George Douglas Rankin Sr.
(American)
Date1915-1930
MediumCast blue and white porcelain
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (diameter): 1 3/4in. (4.4cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Margaret Rankin
Object number1986.160.35
DescriptionBlue and white porcelain cameo containing motifs relating to Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. The cameo is round and has 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 white circular raised band. The blue porcelain drops off just outside of this white band, but rises again to form a raised blue band at the edge of the cameo. The back of the cameo is uneven and has six small chips around the edges.
NotesHistorical Note: George Douglas Rankin, the donor's father, was the President of the Hartford Faience Company in Hartford, Connecticut.Historical Note: This is said to have been made from molds taken of the doorknobs at Trinity College.
Status
Not on view
