Scenic Plaque

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Rookwood Pottery, founded in Cincinnati in 1880, became one of America’s most celebrated producers of art ceramics during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Their work blended fine craftsmanship with innovative glazing techniques, reflecting the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement. Created in 1913, this Scenic Plaque is a fine example of the company’s output, when Rookwood had already established an international reputation for transforming utilitarian clay into objects of beauty. Classified simply as ceramics, the plaque likely features a painted landscape or natural scene, a popular motif for Rookwood artists who drew inspiration from the American countryside. Such pieces were often displayed in homes as decorative art rather than functional ware, signaling the growing appreciation for American-made ceramics during this period. Now part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection through the generosity of Marcia and William Goodman, the plaque offers visitors a glimpse into the artistic ambitions of Rookwood’s skilled decorators and the broader story of American decorative arts in the early 1900s.