Jug - "Peace and Prosperity" c. 1936

Editor: Here we have the "Peace and Prosperity" jug, made around 1936 of earthenware. The bold imagery and simple construction give it a folksy, patriotic vibe, but the phrase "Peace and Prosperity" juxtaposed against what seems like wartime imagery seems strange. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Indeed, this ceramic piece made during the Depression Era speaks volumes about the intersections of nationalism, economic anxiety, and social aspiration. Consider the iconography: a U.S. flag paired with the bald eagle—symbols of national identity. Yet, these symbols exist on a utilitarian object, a jug. Does this marriage elevate a household object, or does it bring the grand ideas of "peace and prosperity" down to earth, questioning them, even? Editor: That's a great point. The "Peace and Prosperity" slogan seems almost ironic given the economic struggles of the time. Curator: Precisely! It invites us to consider whose peace and whose prosperity are being referenced. Who had access to this idealized vision? Were marginalized communities included? Consider also the rise of nationalistic sentiments globally at that time. Is this piece an innocent celebration of America, or is it more subtly aligned with a specific ideological positioning? What does its domestic placement within a home tell us? Editor: It definitely complicates the initial impression. Looking at it now, I see a more critical engagement with American ideals than I did before. Curator: This piece is indicative of how we need to contextualize even seemingly straightforward artwork within its time and within social justice matters. By looking at the symbols and how they’re placed on everyday objects we start to see not necessarily a whole picture of how social issues played out during the time, but a snapshot or impression that encourages modern conversation on progress. Editor: I see that too now; thank you for a new perspective! Curator: Likewise. Thank you for posing such important questions today!