Maxine Elliott (1868-1940)

1890s

Place madeLimoges, France

Painted, glazed, and gilded porcelain

Overall (diam.): 9 5/8 in. (24.4 cm)

Gift of Margaret and Denison Hatch

2016.17.1

These unusual plates were commissioned during the 1890s by Mrs. Frederic Hatch (1864-1952) of New York City and feature painted portraits of renowned late nineteenth- to early twentieth-century Shakespearian stage actress in character. Mrs. Hatch was a writer, passionate theatergoer, and close friend of the actress Maude Adams. Haviland was a Limoges, France manufactory founded by New Yorker David Haviland in 1846. It specialized in decorated porcelain largely targeted to the American market, and was a favorite of Mary Lincoln. The firm made dinner services for the White House in 1861 and again in 1880 for President Garfield.

DescriptionCircular dinner plate with broad outward splayed rim; the obverse features painted portrait of Maxine Elliott as Portia, against opalescent pastel purple, blue, green, and pink background; rim colored with variations of yellow or ivory edged with thick, serrated gilding. Underside marked “Haviland / France” and hand-written name of the actress featured on front.

MarkingsUnderside marked “Haviland / France”

ClassificationsCERAMICS