Jar

PeriodCirca 1770

Place MadeVenice, Italy

MediumColorless, opaque white, and transluent red glass

Dimensions5 × 3.75 in. (12.7 × 9.5 cm)

ClassificationsGlass

Credit LineGift of Miss Edith F. Mack, 1932

Object number250

DescriptionA small jar, with bulbous body and rounded foot rim, with opaque white striation pattern and applied red bosses spaced around widest portion of jar body. Lid includes a thin inner flange which fits into the jar body, identical opaque white striated pattern, and applied red bosses around the rim. The lid tapers to the top center, which is surmounted with an elongated knop of colorless glass and thin red glass spiral threading.
Curatorial RemarksCosmetics were part of a fashionable woman's routine in 18th century America. Face powder was made in a variety of ways, and often included ground talc or powdered white rice along with such additives as vinegar. Some formulas, however, contained toxic ingredients such as lead. A pale and even complexion was thought to indicate elegance and poise. Some women added rouge to cheeks and lips. Martha Washington was a fashionable dresser particularly as a younger woman, and quite likely included powder in her beauty routine.NotesThis charming little glass jar was donated by Allenhurst resident Edith F. Mack in 1932. According to the extensive accession entry, the powder jar was "from [the] old Van Cortlandt mansion in N.Y.C. It rested on [the] dressing table in a sleeping chamber which was always reserved for Martha Washington, when she visited the Van Cortlandts, and was used by her as [a] powder jar." Martha Washington traveled with her husband throughout the Revolution, often staying in local houses nearby. George Washington himself stayed at the Van Cortlandt Mansion in the Bronx twice, once in October of 1776 right before the Battle of White Plains, and again in November of 1783 right before his return to New York City as a Commander in Chief after the successful conclusion of the American Revolution. The little jar appeared in an article in the Keyport Enterprise newspaper on December 15, 1932, noting its connection to the American Revolution and the Washingtons and donor Edith F. Mack.

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