Plaque 1892 - 1895

Charles Volkmar made this plaque with glaze and ceramic. The blue-and-white image depicts Dutch Cottages on Beaver Street in New York as they stood in 1679. Volkmar’s choice to represent Dutch colonial architecture is significant. By the late 19th century, New York was a bustling metropolis, and this plaque reflects a nostalgic look backward to a simpler, more pastoral time. The image evokes a sense of historical continuity and cultural identity. Volkmar presents a romanticized view of New York's past, perhaps critiquing the rapid industrialization and urbanization of his own era. To understand this work better, historians might consult period maps and architectural records. We look at the development of New York City, and Volkmar’s place within the artistic and social currents of his time. Only then can we fully appreciate how art creates meaning that's contingent on social and institutional context.