Designed and modeled by J.C. Meyenberg (American, late 19th–early 20th century)
Rookwood Pottery (American, 1880–1967)
Sold by Duhme & Co. (American, 1843-1893)
Cincinatti, Ohio
Othello Plaque
INV-1452
Designed and modeled by J.C. Meyenberg (American, late 19th–early 20th century)
Rookwood Pottery (American, 1880–1967)
Sold by Duhme & Co. (American, 1843-1893)
Cincinatti, Ohio1884
Arts and Crafts MovementAmerican Arts and Crafts Movementplaque (flat object)earthenware
Date
1884
Medium
Earthenware and glaze
Dimensions
Diam.: 40.6 cm (15 1/4 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Through prior acquisition of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh J. Smith Jr.
Seen as exotic, Islamic-style decorative motifs enjoyed great popularity in the United States in the 1880s, and William Shakespeare’s play Othello offered a famous example of a Moorish subject. Created by Rookwood Pottery, one of the earliest art pottery makers in the United States, this rare plaque may have been commissioned to commemorate a local production of the play. Alternatively, it might reflect the well-described popularity of Shakespeare in 19th-century America. The designer evoked the main character’s Moorish origins by inscribing his name in pseudo-Arabic script and using concentric bands of stylized foliate and calligraphic motifs reminiscent of Islamic architectural decoration.
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