This commemorative plate, together with a polished pewter box featuring an image of the U.S. Capitol, was presented to attendees of the Inaugural Luncheon held in National Statuary Hall as part of the 54th Presidential Inaugural Ceremonies. The blue and white transfer-printed plate was part of the luncheon place setting and features a large floral border that encircles an exterior view of the U.S. Capitol. This view is a detail from a depiction of the building by the British artist William Henry Bartlett that was first published in 1839 in Nathaniel Parker Willis's popular travel series American Scenery.
Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings
Inscription
(back, center, in blue ink): Inaugural Luncheon / In honor of / The President and Mrs. George W. Bush / and / The Vice President and Mrs. Richard B. Cheney / 1801 [Great Seal of United States] 2001 / Tendered By / The Joint Congressional Committee / On Inaugural Ceremonies / Statuary Hall / United States Capitol / January 20, 2001 Inscription
(back, bottom center, in gold ink): 233 of 500 Inscription
(back, bottom center, in blue ink): BHLWHC