Medusa 1775 - 1780

This is Wedgwood Manufactory's ‘Medusa’ plaque, an intriguing piece presented in a circular wooden frame. The plaque features a three-dimensional white figure set against a solid blue ground, creating a stark contrast that immediately captures the eye. The careful modeling of Medusa's face and serpentine hair suggests an attempt to capture movement and emotion within a rigid medium. The circular frame is more than just a border, it is a formal device that directs our focus to the central image, highlighting the themes of enclosure and transformation. The plaque challenges fixed meanings; Medusa, traditionally a symbol of horror, is rendered here with a certain classical beauty, prompting us to rethink her narrative. This kind of artistic representation reflects broader philosophical concerns about beauty and monstrosity. The formal tension between the static medium and dynamic subject matter invites ongoing interpretation and reflection on the nature of representation itself.