The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut, houses and displays some of the finest examples of late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth century West Hartford red earthenware. Among these treasures is a rare red earthenware jar featuring an eagle motif and distinctive twisted handles. This exceptional piece entered the museum's permanent holdings as part of the Albert Hastings Pitkin Collection, a gift in 1918 from Mrs. Albert Hastings Pitkin in memory of her husband. It was then published in John Spargo's 1926 book, Early American Pottery and China.
The front of the jar features a boldly incised Federal-style spread eagle, a powerful symbol of American independence popular in the early Republic. This eagle is detailed with cross-hatched feathering across its expansive wings and a prominent shield over its breast. Clutching standard patriotic emblems in its talons, the entire motif is highlighted with a striking green copper slip that stands out against the jar's yellowish glaze.
Perhaps the only other known counterpart is a privately owned jar that shares a similar shape but features a different rim and a mottled glaze with slip decoration without the eagle design. This jar does have restoration, but a wonderful survivor nonetheless.
Furthermore, while boldly incised eagle decorations are highly coveted hallmarks of early American stoneware—where they are typically highlighted in cobalt blue—this exceptional red earthenware example actually predates many of those celebrated stoneware pieces.
A similar figural eagle from Carl Mehwaldt's Western New York workshop is also documented. I first published this piece in a feature story for the December 16, 2022, issue of Antiques and The Arts Weekly, titled "Unique Red Earthenware Rediscovered In Western New York." It was later featured a second time in my two-volume ninth book, America's Great Awakening and Migration: The Red Earthenware of Western New York: https://historicbeverly.net/product/americas-great-awakening-and-migration-the-red-earthenware-of-western-new-york//.
Note: For more information about Hartford's red earthenware industry - see my sixth book, A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area - https://historicbeverly.net/product/a-city-on-the-river-the-early-red-earthenware-of-the-hartford-connecticut-area/.
Also see a feature story I wrote that was published in the April 12, 2019 issue of Antiques & Auction News, titled, The Albert Hastings Pitkin Collection: https://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2019/05/the-albert-hastings-pitkin-collection.html.
Early Examples of Red Earthenware Production from the Hartford, Connecticut Area
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: Private Collection and Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Another View of the Jar
Circa 1820
Stands 8 3/4" Tall
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...
