Platter 1812 - 1837

This blue-printed earthenware platter was crafted by James and Ralph Clews sometime in the early 19th century. Dominating the composition are allegorical figures flanking an idyllic scene. To the left, we see a figure of America, reminiscent of classical depictions of liberty, paired with an image of George Washington. But what’s truly intriguing is how these motifs have traveled through time. The allegorical female figure, a symbol of liberty or a nation, finds its roots in ancient Roman depictions of goddesses. We see her resurface during the Renaissance and again in revolutionary movements. The pairing of such figures with national heroes, such as Washington, speaks to a desire to create a new mythology, linking the ideals of the past with the aspirations of the present. The idyllic landscape in the center, framed by these figures, evokes a sense of promise and potential, reflecting the collective hope invested in this burgeoning nation. It is the symbolic language that persists, adapting and evolving with each new context.