Plaque

Art Historical Context

This modest iron or steel plaque, crafted between 1781 and 1783, captures a pivotal moment in American history as the Revolutionary War drew to a close. Measuring just 5⅛ x 3 inches, it likely depicts swords and male figures—symbols of martial valor and camaraderie that resonated in the era of independence struggles. Housed in The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum Art, a gift from William H. Huntington in 1883 it exemplifies early American metalworking traditions, where skilled artisans forged durable emblems from everyday materials like iron or steel. Though the artist remains unknown...