Wilhelmina van Pruisen c. 1782

Johann Heinrich Schepp created this portrait cameo of Wilhelmina van Pruisen out of Jasperware, a refined unglazed stoneware, and framed in wood. The crisp detail of the neoclassical profile results from the nature of the material, which is ideal for creating a sharp contrast with the background. Schepp would have carefully built up the design by hand, using small tools to model the clay-like material. Once fired, the cameo would have achieved its distinctive matte finish and delicate coloring. The labor involved in producing such intricate work reflects a time when fine craftsmanship was highly valued, particularly by the aristocracy. In this context, Jasperware became a popular choice for portraiture. Yet by combining techniques of sculpture and ceramics, it challenges traditional hierarchies between art and craft. This reflects wider shifts in the production of luxury goods and the evolving relationship between art, labor, and social status in the 18th century. It is a demonstration of how the means of production can shape our understanding of social and cultural significance.