Plaque with Marcus Antonius 1776 - 1780

This plaque with Marcus Antonius was made by the Wedgwood Manufactory out of Jasperware, a type of stoneware known for its matte, unglazed finish. To achieve this look, the factory workers mixed precisely measured materials, dyed with metallic oxides to create the distinctive color, then pressed the mixture into molds. The resulting surface is smooth, like marble, and ideal for crisp, fine details. This plaque is actually a copy of an ancient cameo, part of a broad Neoclassical revival in the 18th century. It's important to remember that Wedgwood was an early industrial manufacturer. While the designs often referenced elite art forms, they were produced on a commercial scale with division of labor. The detailed work was accomplished by skilled hands, but the overall operation was organized according to early capitalist models. So, when you look at this object, consider how its material qualities intertwine with the social and economic conditions of its making, blurring the boundaries between art, craft, and industry.