Images(5)

Plate

Date1825-1834

OriginEngland, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Cobridge

MediumLead-glazed earthenware

DimensionsDiam: 10 1/8"

Credit LineBequest of Grace Hartshorn Westerfield

Object number1974-587,1

DescriptionPlate of circular shape with ogee-molded rim. The underside with stepped incised foot ring. The rim and underside with three stilt marks each. The soft blue-gray glaze over the buff body. The face of the plate transfer printed in blue with a central scene comprising three larger ships and several smaller ships arriving at a fort to the right, the foreground with troops firing cannon and a soldier riding a white horse; below the scene the words: “LANDING OF GEN. LA FAYETTE / At Castle Garden New York / 16 August 1824." The border transfer printed with sprays of leaves and sprigs of primroses and daisies.
Label TextLafayette, hero of the American Revolution, returned for a trip across America in 1824-1825. He was showered with gifts--including an alligator!--and was met with great fanfare and parties everywhere he went. His trip continued to be commemorated for many years afterward. This sustained enthusiasm is thought to be a reaction by Americans to the perceived decadence and material success of the New Republic, which was seen to be in sharp contrast to the restrained ideals of the "Revolutionary Generation."
InscribedThe title of the central scene transfer printed: “LANDING OF GEN. LA FAYETTE / At Castle Garden New York / 16 August 1824."
Markings"Clews Warranted Staffordshire" arranged in circle around a crown; all impressed to underside.
ProvenanceEx Coll: Westerfield, Camden, ME

Exhibition(s)