Marshes of Ipswich Motto Plaque
Artist
Arthur Eugene Baggs
(American, 1886 - 1947)
ArtistAfter
Arthur Wesley Dow
(American, 1857 - 1922)
Manufacturer
Marblehead Pottery
CultureAmerican
Dateca. 1909
MediumStoneware
DimensionsOverall: 6 1/8 x 9 5/8 x 1 in. (15.6 x 24.4 x 2.5 cm)
InscribedStamped mark on back with ship in a circle and letters "MP"
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number71.2841
Not on view
DescriptionRectangular decorative tile with scene of a salt marsh and the legend "Upbreathed from the marshes a messsage of range and of sweep". Tile has a yellowish case with designs in blue, tan and cream.Label TextArthur Eugene Baggs American, 1886–1947 After Arthur Wesley Dow American, 1857–1922 Marshes of Ipswich Motto Plaque, ca. 1909 Ceramic tile by Marblehead Pottery, Marblehead, Massachusetts The soft, mottled texture of this decorative tile gives a misty quality to its subject: a stream meandering among haystacks in the marshes near Ipswich in northeastern Massachusetts. Its simplified design is based on a woodcut print by Arthur Wesley Dow, whose works mix influences from France and Japan. Dow’s theories of color and composition and his love of nature inspired many younger designers and artists, including painter Georgia O’Keeffe. The plaque quotes the 1878 poem “Sunrise“ by Sidney Lanier (1842–1881), inviting viewers to approach this beautiful object in a contemplative mode and listen for nature’s voice. Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.2841 Exhibition History"From Earth and Fire: Art Pottery and Art Glass from the Chrysler Museum of Art," The Columbus Museum, Columbus, Georgia: Autumn 1997 through Summer 1999.
