Medallion with Cupid Lighting His Wick c. late 18th century

This is a medallion featuring Cupid lighting his wick, made by the Wedgwood Manufactory. Its oval form and diminutive size immediately draw your eye. Note the contrasting colors of the pale blue ground and the white figure of Cupid, each sharply delineating the other. The composition reflects classical ideals, with Cupid rendered in Neoclassical style. He stands in a contrapposto pose, his weight shifted to one leg, creating a dynamic yet balanced stance. The wick he holds aloft, the focal point of the medallion, draws the eye upward, while the drapery swirling around him adds movement. The use of line is precise, defining the contours of his form. Wedgwood’s piece functions beyond mere decoration, engaging with broader cultural codes. The image of Cupid references classical mythology, love, and desire. The medallion, with its controlled composition, invites us to consider how such forms work to convey meaning and reflect the values of the time. It is a site where aesthetics, philosophy, and cultural values converge.