Object Record
Images
Additional Images [2]
Metadata
Object |
Pitcher |
Artist/Creator |
United States Pottery Company (Bennington, Vt.) |
Year Range from |
1852 |
Year Range to |
1858 |
Description |
Solid brown slip-like glaze Paul and Virginia pitcher (1852-58). United States Pottery ribbon mark on bottom. Large palm trees and other leafy plants on the bottom, and extending up from it. Handle also has the leaf design. Background is smooth. Between the trees on one side is a man and woman, she is kneeling in prayer, while he stands and looks around. On the other side, between the trees are a man a woman, he walks while carrying her on his back. Widest at the bottom, then narrows toward the top. |
Width (inches) |
7.500 |
Height (inches) |
11.000 |
Subjects |
United States Pottery Company (Bennington, Vt.) |
Information |
The United States Pottery Company drew on popular culture for inspiration. This pitcher is decorated with scenes from the story of "Paul and Virginia" a tale of two children who grow up on an idyllic island free from the corrupting influence of the world. They fall in love, but then Virginia is sent to Europe to be educated by a wealthy aunt. On the way home her ship is wrecked in a tempest near shore. She refuses to remove her bulky clothing and drowns while Paul is unable to save her from the rocky shore. The scenes on the pitcher illustrate an adventure from their younger years when they get lost in the tropical woods. |
Credit line |
Gift of Mr. Hall Park McCullough |
Catalog Number |
1962.168 |