Cup plate c. 1840

Editor: Here we have an intriguing cup plate, likely crafted around 1840 by an anonymous maker. The material, pressed glass, is delicate, and it is currently part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection. The image is centered around what looks like a humble cabin...what historical narrative or cultural meaning do you see embedded within this seemingly simple piece? Curator: The log cabin! Instantly recognizable as a potent symbol. What does a log cabin suggest to you? It’s interesting that it’s also surrounded by the words, "Tippecanoe" and "W.H. Harrison." Editor: To me, a log cabin represents a certain idea of American self-reliance and rustic simplicity... but the link to Harrison has me curious. It adds a layer of political identity I wasn't expecting. Curator: Exactly. The cabin wasn't just shelter. In 1840, it was a key campaign symbol for William Henry Harrison, running for president. This object taps into the "log cabin myth," a deliberate attempt to portray Harrison as a man of the people, despite his privileged background. How do you think this symbolic use impacted the common voter? Editor: By using the image of a humble home, perhaps people were meant to draw comparisons between their everyday lives and the candidate, and also be inspired by that humble start? Is that something he himself cultivated? Curator: Absolutely. And it worked! Even though he lived in a grand house, associating him with the log cabin resonated deeply. This cup plate isn't just a functional object, but a potent piece of political propaganda, embedding cultural memory in everyday life. Does it shift your understanding to consider the glass itself almost secondary to the imprint? Editor: Definitely, it changes how I see it. It speaks to how objects, even everyday ones, can carry powerful political messages and reinforce specific cultural narratives. This plate feels deceptively simple, yet it is really loaded with symbolic intention and meaning. Curator: Precisely. The artistry here is in the clever manipulation of symbols, revealing the profound influence of imagery on shaping political identity and public perception.