CultureAmerican
Datec. 1847
Made inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
MediumNonlead glass
Dimensions6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg
Object numberB.72.63
Current LocationBayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Glazed Porch
On view
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DescriptionAmerican glassmakers produced small, rounded, and flattened forms as pocket bottles or flasks in the 1700s. By the 1820s, mold-blown flasks with images on both sides grew in popularity. Many featured portraits of political or military leaders, patriotic emblems, and slogans, images of abundance or technological achievement, or decorative designs such as sunbursts and scrolls. Another popular subject was the United States’ victory in the Mexican-American War of 1846 to 1848. Zachary Taylor rose to great fame and popularity in the wake of his victories in this war, winning the 1848 election to become the 12th president of the United States. This flask, which includes Taylor’s image on one side and George Washington’s portrait on the other, attests to Taylor’s acclaim.
Provenance[McKearin’s Antiques, Hoosick Falls, New York]; purchased by Miss Ima Hogg, 1954; given to MFAH, 1972.
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
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