Plate

Art Historical Context

This charming earthenware plate, crafted George Wolfkiel around1830–67, exemplifies the everyday artistry of 19th-century America. Measuring 8¼ inches in diameter, it hails from the utilitarian pottery tradition, where skilled makers like Wolfiel produced functional dishes for households across the growing nation. Earthenware, fired at lower temperatures than porcelain, was prized for its affordability and warmth, often featuring simple glazes that highlighted the clay's natural reddish tones. As part of the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of the Americas collection, this plate reflects the f...