Pitcher 1853 - 1856

This pitcher, made by Charles Cartlidge and Company, presents us with a fascinating interplay of symbols from its time. Notice the shield emblazoned with stripes. This motif isn't merely decorative. The shield, a universal symbol of defense and national pride, here evokes a powerful sense of identity. We see echoes of classical Roman shields, emblems of civic virtue and military might, adapted and reborn in the American context. The wheat motif, also rendered on the pitcher, is associated with cycles of growth and renewal. Its roots go back to ancient harvest festivals and the veneration of agricultural deities. Consider how such symbols become deeply embedded in our collective psyche. The imagery of the shield has undergone a metamorphosis, becoming intertwined with notions of national identity. The resurfacing of these symbols speaks to our deep-seated need for security, continuity, and belonging. The pitcher becomes a symbolic object, charged with the cultural memory of generations.