Washington Related
c. 1800 Larger Size Scarce George Washington Historical Liverpool Creamware Pitcher "Apotheosis" Ch. Near Mint
c. 1800 Federal Period, Historical Liverpool Creamware Pitcher, "Apotheosis" of Washington, and "First in War First in Peace First in Fame First in Virtue", England, Choice Near Mint.
Historical Liverpool Pitcher, measuring 10.5" tall, 5.75" at base in diameter, with two black transfer prints memorializing the Death of George Washington. The main "APOTHEOSIS" image depicts a robed George Washington rising upwards to heaven. He is shown seated upon a cloud, with a light shining down upon him and angels tending to him. Below are two robed mourners who guard the base of his tomb. The legend reads, "SACRED to the Memory of WASHINGTON OB 14 DEC, A.D., 1799, AE 68". Cherub faces resting atop wings form an oval border around the scene. At the very bottom, a black banner with white letters reads "APOTHEOSIS," thus reinforcing Washington's historic status as a glorified and exalted figure. Similar to #W.39 page 206 of Armans, 1998 reference work, which suggests that the Herculaneum Pottery group produced this Pitcher.
The Transfer on the opposite side displays an Obelisk with the famous historic legend reading, "First in War First in Peace First in Fame First in Virtue Born 1732 Died 1799". It depicts mourners at Washington's tomb: There is an Angel, a uniformed Soldier (presumably of the Marquis de Lafayette) and a balding man in a dark suit. The outside of the print is ringed by the names of the 13 original states. Similar to #W.45, page 207 of Arman's. Under the spout is a "Seal of the United States". It shows a spread winged Heraldic American Eagle with Shield on it's breast, Rays and Stars over the head and a banner in it's mouth with the motto reading, "E Pluribus Unum". The Eagle has arrows and branch in it's talons. Similar to #S.9, page 161 of Arman's. Also under the spout are 3 ornate script initials "SSL". Exceptional in its larger size, ornate presentation and overall excellent museum quality for display.