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Columbian Expostition Coin Purse

Specifications

Columbian Expostition Coin Purse

Category

World's Fairs

Classification

CHENHALL - Personal Objects - Personal Gear - Personal Carrying & Storage Gear - Bag, Carrying - Purse - Purse, Change

Object Origin
Date Created:

1893

Physical Characteristics

Object Description: Metal container with hinge, clasp and chain handle. Sides have mother-of-pearl (assumed) shell inlay. One side of shell is painted with a scene of (assumed) Columbus with Spanish conquistadors with flags and weapons on a beach at viewer's center. A ship is at viewer's left in background. At viewer's right are four (4) indigenous peoples kneeling (two (2)) and with arms raised (two (2)).

Materials:

metal

cloth

shell

Measurements: Object:
    Height: 1.75 in, Length: 2.25 in, Width: 0.75 in
    Weight: 0.068 lbs

Credit

Gift of Kathyrn Tucker, 1989.2

Display Status

Not On View

Columbian Expostition Coin Purse

About: Columbian Expostition Coin Purse

About: Columbian Expostition Coin Purse

This coin purse reflects the 1893 Columbian Exposition’s theme of celebrating the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the New World. This beautifully polished mother of pearl miniature coin purse shows (assumed) Columbus landing in 1492 on the island of Hispaniola among indigenous peoples.


The image comes from a Neoclassical painting, an aesthetic inspired by ancient Greek and Roman antiquity, entitled The Landing of Columbus done by John Vanderlyn, an American painter. In 1842, Vanderlyn was commissioned by Congress to paint The Landing of Columbus for the rotunda of the United States Capitol. This painting was subsequently used on souvenirs, coins, and postage stamps to promote the exposition.

Additional information

Copyright information

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