c. 1875-1876

Vase Commemorative 1776

This vase and its mate are smaller versions of a monumental pair exhibited in Philadelphia at the Centennial Exhibition of 1876 by the French firm of Haviland and Company. Designed by Félix Bracquemond, they celebrate the hundredth birthday of the United States, this vase commemorating the country’s declaration of independence in 1776, the other celebrating its national prosperity a century later. In addition to the large pair, now in the Smithsonian Institution, Haviland produced only two smaller versions; this pair at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is the only smaller pair still known.

Topped by a bust of George Washington flanked by the winged figures of Fame and Victory, the 1776 vase is inscribed with the names of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and its base is ornamented with Revolutionary War canons. Bracquemond’s original sketch for this vase also can be seen on the museum website.