Teapot
CultureEnglish
Dateca. 1750
MediumStoneware with salt glaze and enamel
DimensionsOverall: 5 1/4 inches (13.34 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Burnap
Object number41-23/698 A,B
On View
On viewGallery Location
- 112
Collections
Gallery LabelThis teapot commemorates the King of Prussia, Frederick II, known as Frederick the Great (1712-1786). After Frederick won possession of Silesia from Austria in 1748, Prussia allied itself with Britain.
The use of political motifs on 17th- and 18th-century ceramics is much like today's use of political imagery: to display loyalty to a political party or cause. Many of the images of English royalty on the objects in this case were inspired by popular paintings and prints that were translated onto ceramic objects. The large dishes in this case, called chargers, were primarily decorative pieces though they may have been used for serving on special occasions.
These delftware chargers represent ceramic objects that were used as blatant propaganda. King Charles I (reign 1625-49) was unpopular for his excessive spending and careless leadership. Here, with sword drawn, the king is portrayed as a successful and powerful military leader, contrary to his public image. Also unpopular, Queen Mary I, Catholic wife of James II (reign 1685-88), is shown with her young son, James, in an effort to appeal to the general public as the mother of the heir to the throne.
The use of political motifs on 17th- and 18th-century ceramics is much like today's use of political imagery: to display loyalty to a political party or cause. Many of the images of English royalty on the objects in this case were inspired by popular paintings and prints that were translated onto ceramic objects. The large dishes in this case, called chargers, were primarily decorative pieces though they may have been used for serving on special occasions.
These delftware chargers represent ceramic objects that were used as blatant propaganda. King Charles I (reign 1625-49) was unpopular for his excessive spending and careless leadership. Here, with sword drawn, the king is portrayed as a successful and powerful military leader, contrary to his public image. Also unpopular, Queen Mary I, Catholic wife of James II (reign 1685-88), is shown with her young son, James, in an effort to appeal to the general public as the mother of the heir to the throne.
Mr. Frank P. (1861-1957) and Mrs. Harriet C. (1866-1947) Burnap, Kansas City, MO, by 1941;
Their gift to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 1941.
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