Collection Highlights
Water VII
1997
2002.13.2
Graphite over ground on heavy paper with deckled edges
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Museum Collections
Decorative Arts
Saucer: Franklin's Proverbs...Silks & Satins
Object name
Saucer: Franklin's Proverbs...Silks & Satins
Date
1800-1850
Medium
Earthenware
Dimensions
Overall: 1/2 x 5 in. ( 1.3 x 12.7 cm )
Description
Molded octagonal plate with border decoration of flowers in low relief; there is a black transfer printed central image of a woman with feathers in her hair seated and looking in the mirror as her children tip over a chamber pot in front of a cold fireplace; a moralizing inscription encircles the image; some of the flowers on the brim are painted with green and pink luster, and the rim is encircled by pink luster.
Object Number
INV.13581
Marks
printed: in black around central view: "SILLS AND SATINS AND VELVETS PUT OUT THE KITCHEN FIRE...../FRANKLIN'S PROVERB"
Gallery Label
Benjamin Franklin represents America's prototypical self-made man, rising from humble tradesman to revolutionary thinker and world leader through a combination of hard work and thrift. In his Poor Richard's Almanack, published serially between 1732 and 1757, Franklin printed a steady offering of aphorisms and proverbs counseling industry and frugality, which captured the attention of a society bent on self-improvement. Beginning in the 1830s, Franklin's sayings were frequently printed, and imaginatively illustrated, on plates and mugs presented to children as a reward for good behavior and achievement.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
