Campaign Button 1873 - 1876

This porcelain campaign button, crafted by the Union Porcelain Works, presents a profile portrait, a motif laden with historical weight. Consider the profile, reminiscent of ancient Roman coins where emperors gazed steadfastly towards the future. Such imagery, like the faces on currency, was designed to project power and stability. Here, the unknown man's beard suggests wisdom and maturity, virtues valued across civilizations. The choice of porcelain itself is intriguing. While not as overtly precious as gold or silver, its smooth, white surface suggests purity and virtue, qualities a candidate would certainly want to convey. Like a carefully chosen mask in an ancient drama, it shapes public perception. This button's appeal lies in its timelessness. It is a recurring symbol of power, adapted and reinterpreted throughout history. The button serves as a stark reminder of how the desire to project authority remains a constant thread through time.