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“Success to the British Arms” Bowl - Image 1
“Success to the British Arms” Bowl - Image 2
“Success to the British Arms” Bowl - Image 3
“Success to the British Arms” Bowl - Image 4
Public Domain

Unidentified

“Success to the British Arms” Bowl

1750-1767

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Unidentified

“Success to the British Arms” Bowl

1750-1767

Physical Qualities Earthenware, gilt decoration, 9 1/16 in. (23 cm.)
Credit Line Gift of Mrs. Francis White, from the Collection of Mrs. Miles White, Jr.
Object Number 1973.76.139
English colonial punch bowls were often decorated with commemorative phrases. “Success to the British Arms” celebrates England’s victory over France and Spain in the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763). Erickson’s recreation of an 18th-century punch bowl uses the tradition of propaganda on pottery to critique the media during the United States presidency of Donald Trump. Here, Trump assumes the pose of John Wilkes (1725–1797), a critic of the English monarchy and hero to American revolutionaries, while posting stories on social media that amplified conspiracies, such as questioning the U.S. citizenship of former President Barack Obama (born 1961). Erickson likens this contemporary debate in media to Wilkes’ controversial 18th-century pamphlets criticizing King George III (reigned 1760–1820). Both Trump and Wilkes’ use of the media, although for politically opposed purposes, illustrates the power of popular media to influence politics.

Inscribed: At center; 'Success/To the British/Arms'

Maker

Unidentified

2000-01-01 00:00:00–2000-01-01 00:00:00

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