Ralph & James Clews
Dinner Plate

Public Domain

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Maker Ralph & James Clews (English, 1814–1834)English, 1814–1834

CultureEnglish

Titles

Dinner Plate

Datec. 1825–1834

Made inCobridge, England

MediumLead-glazed earthenware with transfer print

Dimensions10 1/8 in. diameter (25.7 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg

Object numberB.63.12

Not on view

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Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

CERAMICS

DescriptionThe Dr. Syntax patterns are based on drawings by Thomas Rowlandson, the earliest of which were published in the Poetical Magazine between 1809–1811, with verses written by William Combe, as a parody of the popular books of the day about picturesque travels. These verse and drawings were published in book form as The Tour of Dr. Syntax in Search of the Picturesque in 1812. This was followed by The Second Tour of Dr. Syntax in Search of Consolation in 1820, which included the drawing Doctor Syntax Painting a Portrait pictured on this plate.

Provenance[Samuel H. Laidacker (1904–1994), Bristol, Pennsylvania]; purchased by Miss Ima Hogg, February 18, 1963; given to MFAH, by 1966.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

Printed on back: Doctor Syntax / Painting a Portrait [in rectangle]

Marked on bottom: CLEWS WARRANTED STAFFORDSHIRE [in outer circle around inner circle enclosing crown]

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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