Pitcher 1845 - 1856

This porcelain pitcher was crafted by the Charles Cartlidge and Company, featuring a striking array of symbols. A proud American flag is draped across the pitcher's body, crowned by the head of an eagle, and entwined with oak leaves, all rendered in white porcelain and gold accents. Consider the eagle, a potent symbol of power and freedom, seen since ancient times, from the Roman Empire to its adoption by the United States. Here, it represents national pride and aspiration. The oak leaves, symbols of strength and endurance, echo the values of a new, growing nation. Reflect on how the symbolism evokes a visceral response, appealing to our collective memory of national identity. The combination of these familiar motifs creates a potent image, a symbol that continues to resonate through time, echoing in new forms and contexts.