Pitcher, Apotheosis of Washington

“A man without example, a patriot without reproach,” voices sentiments for a nation mourning the death of its greatest hero George Washington. On one side, female figures representing Britain and America admire plans for Washington, D.C. On the other side, a god-like Washington is lifted toward heaven by poetry, history, and immortality, while America weeps at his feet. Depicting Washington in religious terms was popular only briefly before giving way to the sedate image familiar today.

An English manufacturer produced this pitcher even though Washington had led a successful rebellion against Britain. The profit to be made from the new nation’s patriotic fervor was irresistible, and objects like this pitcher flooded the American market.