Holy Water Font
Date1820-1825
Maker
John Swann
MediumSalt-glazed stoneware
DimensionsOH: 11 1/8”; OL: 10 1/4” (handle to handle); OD: 9 1/16”.
Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund
Object number2024-27
DescriptionSalt-glazed stoneware font: two-gallon straight-sided cylindrical vessel with one-inch trimmed rim; two lug handles each applied horizontally to opposite sides. The vessel decorated with cobalt-filled incised motifs of a central cross above a serrated-edged rectangle enclosing a cross-hatched "I H S" mimicking silver engraving; two leafy meandering stems radiating from opposite sides of the cross and ending in flowers and possibly pomegranates; the cross flanked by inward facing doves with halos representing the Holy Spirit. The outer edges of the handles dabbed with cobalt. Above the cross is an impressed capacity mark "2" for 2 gallons and "J. SWANN / ALEXᴬ".Inscription(s)The front with a serrated-edged rectangle enclosing a cross-hatched "I H S".Mark(s)Impressed capacity mark "2" for 2 gallons above "J. SWANN / ALEXᴬ".ProvenancePrior to 2020, private collection in Alexandria, Virginia. Around 2020, acquired by Sumpter Priddy, Alexandria, Virginia. In 2022, consigned to Robert Hunter. In 2024, acquired by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Williamsburg, Virginia.
ca. 1750
