This platter belongs to a series of about twenty-two designs by the Ridgway brothers known as "Beauties of America." Oddly enough, the subjects of this series tend to be utilitarian buildings with humanitarian functions, such as this example, rather than the wonders of nature or engineering seen on other American views produced in England for the export market.

The view of the Asylum is based on an engraving by Asaph Willard, who began working in Hartford after 1818. The view was later copied by the New Haven artist and publisher J.W. Barber in his book Connecticut Historical Collections from 1836. The Deaf and Dumb Asylum, established by Thomas H. Gallaudet in 1815, was the first institution in the United States dedicated to the handicapped and became the model for the teaching of sign language in this country.