Description:
"Blackware" or "Jackfield-type" jug with pointed sparrow beak spout, attached strap handle, rounded bellied body, and molded foot rim; the red earthenware body is coated all over in a dark brown or "black" lead glaze, the sides of the jug are decorated with cold gilding (gold leaf applied to a size painted on the glaze), the decoration depicts a tall man in as tricorn hat and full wig, with his left arm outstretched holding a sword, he wears a long coat and stockings, his shoes or boots have been abraded, on the left and right of the man are the initials "DW", the gilding has been further enhanced by scratch decoration to highlight for example his wig and buttons and pockets of his coat; under the spout is a sprig of flowers, and on the far side is a bird with a hooked bill - possibly an eagle - surrounded by floral and leafy decoration, on the base of the jug are modern labels which read, "The Henry H. Weldon Collection", and two labels for English ceramics dealer "Jonathan Horne." In contrast to the punch bowl [HD 2014.3], this jug promotes the opposite political point of view - anti-Jacobite sentiments -- depicting an image of "DW" or Duke William, the Duke of Cumberland (1721-1765). William Augustus, the third and youngest son of King George II and Caroline of Ansbach, was also nicknamed "Sweet William" by his supporters and "Butcher Cumberland" by his foes. By the time of the Jacobite Rebellion, he was commander-in-chief of British forces fighting on the continent against France. In 1745, as Bonnie Prince Charlie’s attempts to regain the crown for his father, James Stuart (James ‘VIII’), gathered momentum, Cumberland was recalled to put down the rebellion. On 16 April 1746, his well-equipped, well-trained army destroyed the Jacobite army at Culloden, near Inverness. Many have held Cumberland responsible for the brutal treatment of the Scottish Highlanders after Culloden. For Cumberland, however, Scotland’s instability represented a deadly threat to his family’s power. His popularity decreased after Culloden, with his military and political influence progressively declining until his death in 1765. These objects visually affirmed one's political affliation with the House of Hanover. Good condition, small chip to the handle, some gold loss at the base of the jug where it was rubbed and scratched. William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1721-1765), was the second son of George II, commanded the British forces that vanquished Charles Edward Stuart at the battle of Culloden. He earned himself the nickname of Butcher and the undying hatred of Scots for his relentless pursuit of Scottish rebels. Cumberland, was in fact a popular leader and a social reformer within the army. He founded the Chelsea Hospital near Buckingham House for invalid soldiers and enabled the passage of a Parliamentary bill protecting army pensions.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2018.5 |
