Platter

Object Name:

Platter

Object ID:

1965.533

Place of Origin:

Staffordshire, England

Date:

1811-1840

Description:

Platter. Pearlware earthenware. Elongated, octagonal platter with slightly flaring rim and indented corners. Underglaze transfer-printed design in medium blue. Central scene on inner surface extends onto rim, showing view of Rome; male figures on shore in foreground and in boats on the Tiber; major landmarks in the background are St. Peter's, the Bridge of St Angelo, Trajan's Column, and the Mausoleum built by Hadrian, known later as the Castle of St. Angelo. Relatively narrow border with linked curvilinear elements, against a background having large ovals and small circles. Outer surface undecorated. Figure "18" impressed twice. Evidence of former label on back, visible in raking light, reads, "LEWIS DOWNING, Jr. / FROM / THE "OLD HOMESTEAD' / DECEMBER 6,1897 / 1819". Handwritten paper label reads "Deposited by Gertrude Downing."

Material:

Earthenware - Pearlware

Dimensions:

H-1.3 W-19.4 D-14.2 inches

Provenance:

Markings on back detail: 1) that this piece was given by Miss Gertrude Downing (1865->1922) of Concord, but the year of donation is not given, and 2) that the piece previously belonged to Gertrude's father, Lewis Downing, Jr. (1820-1901). With the notations is the date, December 6, 1897, and possibly the year 1819. Perhaps the 1819 date indicates when the piece was made; perhaps the 1897 date indicates when the piece was given to Gertrude or given to the NHHS.

Credit Line:

Gift of Miss Gertrude Downing

People:

Downing, Lewis, Jr. (1820-1901), Stubbs, Benjamin or Joseph, Downing, Gertrude (1865-1952)

Subjects:

Furnishings, Eating & drinking