Unknown English
Child's Plate

Public Domain

ExpandFavorite

Maker Unknown English

CultureEnglish

Titles

Child's Plate

Datec. 1830–1860

Probable placeEngland

MediumLead-glazed earthenware with transfer print

Dimensions3/4 × 6 1/16 in. diameter (1.9 × 15.4 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by family and friends in memory of Frances M. Sacco

Object numberB.2005.5

Current Location

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Belter Parlor

On view

Explore Further

Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

CERAMICS

DescriptionThis small plate, with the letters of the alphabet around its rim, was intended for a child’s use. In its center, an image titled “Gathering Cotton” depicts a group of enslaved men, women, and children industriously picking cotton. The figures appear untroubled, even happy, as they work. Proslavery factions in both the United States and Great Britain had a strong stake in presenting slavery in a positive light, ignoring or dismissing the violence and brutality that made it possible. This plate makes it clear that advocates for slavery wanted even the youngest of children to receive this cruelly distorted message.
Provenance[Seekers Antiques, Columbus, Ohio]; purchased by MFAH, 2005.
Exhibition History"Exhibited As We Are”: Fighting Racism with Art in the Age of Slavery,” The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Bayou Bend, April 29–August 16, 2015.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

Printed below the image: GATHERING COTTON

[no marks]

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.