Punch Bowl
Decorative Arts and Design
Commemorating the launch of a new trade ship, this punch bowl is unique for its political statements. Celebrating free trade with the incised message “Success to the Trade and Navigation in All Free States—North [Hudson] River,” the maker Cornelius Paulus also declared his abolitionist sentiments with the phrase “Freedom to the Slave G.W.”
MEDIUM
Earthenware
DATES
1792
DIMENSIONS
7 1/8 x 16 1/2 x 16 1/2 in. (18.1 x 41.9 x 41.9 cm)
(show scale)
INSCRIPTIONS
Incised on outer band of yellow slip: "Success to Trade and Navigation in All Free States--North River" and the initials "C.P."; incised on inner band of yellow slip: "August 17, 1792--Albany Packet Two Brothers"; inscribed in central medallion "Freedom / to the Slave / G.W."
ACCESSION NUMBER
48.143
CREDIT LINE
Dick S. Ramsay Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Punch bowl, "Two Brothers," slip-decorated red earthenware, interior decorated with two bands and a central medallion of yellow slip on which inscriptions are incised followed by an outline sketch of a sailboat and the initials "C.P." The central medallion is also inscribed.
Condition: Slip worn and chipped.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
American. Punch Bowl, 1792. Earthenware, 7 1/8 x 16 1/2 x 16 1/2 in. (18.1 x 41.9 x 41.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 48.143. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 48.143_PS9.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 48.143_PS9.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2021
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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Tell me more.
This earthenware bowl was created in 1792 by Cornelius Paulus. It reads “Success to the Trade and Navigation in All Free States— North [Hudson] River,” with “August 17, 1792—Albany Packet TWO BROTHERS” below. However, the inscription at the bottom reads “Freedom to the Slave G. W.” As you can see, it contains an abolitionist sentiment, though we don't know for certain who G.W. is here!