Vase 1869

This silver presentation vase was created by Tiffany & Co. in 1869. It’s a tangible symbol of the socio-political landscape of post-Civil War America. Commissioned by the Union League Club, the vase was presented to Thomas Nast, a political cartoonist, as a token of their admiration. Look closely and you’ll see winged cherubs adorning the vase, figures that represent the Union’s victory over the Confederacy. It's not just a decorative object. It encapsulates the complex intersection of art, politics, and identity in a divided nation. Nast’s cartoons played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and galvanizing support for the Union cause. As such, this vase tells a story of power, influence, and the role of art in shaping historical narratives. It invites us to reflect on how symbols of victory can also be reminders of division, and how art can be both a reflection of and an agent within society.