Decorated by Joseph S. Potter (American, 1822–1904)
Illinois Plate
INV-2129
Decorated by Joseph S. Potter (American, 1822–1904)c. 1878–89
Illinois Plate
Decorated by Joseph S. Potter (American, 1822–1904) →plate (general, dish)american decorative arts
Date
c. 1878–89
Medium
Porcelain, enamel, and glaze with gilding
Dimensions
Diam.: 21.3 cm (8 3/8 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Purchased with funds provided by Harry Root
Joseph S. Potter served as a diplomat and United States Consul in Germany. There he embraced the hobby of china painting after noticing women in the consulate taking lessons and later visiting the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. Potter painted a series of “states” plates, including this Illinois plate, which is decorated in colored enamels, glazes, gold, and silver. Inside the gold patterned cartouche is a bald eagle against rays of sunshine. In its beak it carries a band inscribed with the Illinos state motto, “State Sovereignty, National Union.” In the late 19th century, when such pieces were at the height of their popularity, these plates would have been displayed in china cabinets alongside other prized possessions.
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