Flask 1843 - 1846

This glass flask was crafted by the Baltimore Glass Works sometime between 1800 and 1890. Encased within its transparent form is an image of Major Ringgold, immortalized amidst swirling text. This representation speaks volumes about how heroes are remembered and integrated into everyday life. The act of placing a leader's image on a common item echoes practices seen in ancient Rome, where emperors' likenesses adorned coins, embedding their power into the daily transactions of life. Over time, this evolved, resurfacing during the Renaissance, where noble figures were woven into tapestries and portraits, symbols of enduring influence. Here, the flask serves not just as a container but as a vessel of memory. It’s a cycle—the honoring of heroes, their integration into daily life, and the subconscious perpetuation of their ideals, echoing through centuries, transformed yet unbroken.