Blank membership certificate containing an allegorical scene bordered by graphic elements representing agriculture and industry. Scene depicts two women allegorical figures, with upswept hair, and in Roman garb, as well as a nude, cherubic figure attired in a cape covering his shoulders and swept over his waist in a a bucolic setting. The central female figure, stands, her right arm bent and with her right hand above her head. She holds a long staff with a flame in in her left hand. To her right is the cherubic figure who holds up a sheaf of wheat in her direction with his left hand. A bundle of wheat lies near his feet. To her left is the other allegorical female figure who is seated in a gazebo. She holds up a swath of cloth in her extended left hand. She holds the other end of it with her right hand as it drapes across her lap. A spindle sits to her left. The top of the gazebo is covered in vinery. In the background are groves of bushes, a bee hive, the peering head of a horned cow, trees, and a small building. Pictorial elements to the right symbolize industry and depict an eagle, crates, a barrel, anchor, and ships sailing on the ocean. Pictorial elements to the left symbolize agriculture and depict a sickle, parts of a plow, a cornucopia, a tree, and bushes. In 1819 the New York legislature appropriated $20,000 over two years for the promotion of agriculture and family domestic manufactures to the county agricultural societies of the state., Signed [E. Gillet], Secrety. and [M. Vling?] Presidt., Title from item., Date inferred from New York 1819 funding initiatives for state agricultural societies., Gift of David Doret., Ralph Rawdon, an engraver, located to Albany, N.Y. in 1816. In 1817 his partnership with engraver Asaph Willard dissolved. He later partnered in the bank note companies Balch, Rawdon & Co. in the 1820s and Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Co. in 1832.
Creator
Rawdon, Ralph, 1793-
Date
[ca. 1820]
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department GC - Certificates - Agriculture [P.2009.24.7]
Interior view showing two women spinning wool. Also shows a large spinning wheel, two chairs, a desk with a plant and teacup. A clock, framed pictures, two silhouettes are mounted on the wall.
