Design for a covered vase 1810 - 1822

This is Thomas Fletcher's design for a covered vase, rendered on a sheet measuring approximately 19 by 13 inches. Fletcher, born in 1787, was working in an era where American identity was being solidified, often through patriotic symbols. Note the prominent eagles, symbols of power and freedom, flanking the vase and gracing its lid. The vase's base depicts a scene commemorating "8 January 1815," likely referencing the Battle of New Orleans, a pivotal moment in the War of 1812. Observe how Fletcher intertwines military triumph with classical motifs; a laurel wreath and classical figures speak to a desire to align American achievements with the grandeur of ancient civilizations. This vase isn't just a design; it's a statement about America's aspirations on the global stage. It embodies a young nation's complex negotiation between its ideals of liberty and its pursuit of power, echoing both pride and the weight of historical events.