DescriptionThis is one of a pair of vases given in 1825 by a group of New York merchants to Governor De Witt Clinton of New York for his role in promoting the construction of the Erie Canal. The vase is decorated with a combination of mythological elements and American motifs. On the front, the figures of Mercury (commerce) and Ceres (agriculture) flank a view of the canal's guard lock and basin at Albany; on the back, Hercules (strength) and Minerva (wisdom) are depicted with the aqueduct at Rochester and the falls of the Genesee River.

Signatures, Inscriptions, and MarkingsMarks: marked on underside of body: [within two concentric circles] FLETCHER & GARDINER.; [in rectangle in center] PHILA marked twice on underside of base: FLETCHER & / GARDINER. (in banner);PHILA (in rectangle)
Inscriptions: engraved on plaque on front of base: The Merchants of Pearl Street, New York, / TO THE HON. DEWITT CLINTON / Whose claim to the proud Title of "Public Benefactor," / is founded on those magnificent works, / The Northern and Western CANALS. engraved on bottom left corner of plaque: Fletcher & Gardiner Makers engraved on bottom right corner of plaque: Philad[superscript a over "] December 1824

ProvenanceDe Witt Clinton, Albany, New York, from 1825; Mrs. Abraham H. Baldwin (née Clinton), Albany, until 1906; Mrs. Morris K. (Maria van Antwerp De Witt) Jesup, New York, 1906–1908; New York Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New York, 1908–1982