George Washington 1840 - 1883

Editor: Here we have "George Washington," created sometime between 1840 and 1883 by Emile Dupont-Zipcy. It's a ceramic plate featuring a sepia-toned portrait. It’s so interesting to see such an iconic figure represented on what's essentially a piece of tableware. What kind of symbolism might be at play here? Curator: Consider the vessel, the plate itself. Throughout history, plates and ceramics are tied to the rituals of gathering, sharing, and communal identity. Now, layer upon it the image of Washington. Editor: So, by placing Washington’s portrait on a plate, is the artist suggesting that he should be part of our daily lives, almost consumed or taken in like nourishment? Curator: Precisely! Dupont-Zipcy is embedding Washington into the French cultural landscape, not just as a historical figure but as a symbol of liberty and republican ideals, readily accessible. Think about the mass production of ceramics during this period. Who has access to this image? Editor: It would allow for a broader range of people to own and engage with a portrait of Washington, wouldn't it? Instead of only the wealthy being able to commission or buy painted portraits. Curator: And what about the choice of a classical style portrait on a relatively "new" technology for art and mass reproduction. Do you see that linking Washington back to earlier "great men" of history? Editor: Definitely! Presenting him in this classical, almost Roman, style, it connects him to a lineage of leadership and strength that resonates through the ages. This humble object has so much encoded history. Curator: Exactly! It's a fantastic example of how everyday objects can carry profound symbolic weight. I've never thought of historical figures becoming literally ingrained in daily rituals!