Medallion with Zephyrus c. late 18th century

The Art Institute of Chicago holds this medallion with Zephyrus, crafted by the Wedgwood Manufactory. This delicate cameo invokes the visual language of Neoclassicism that swept through the decorative arts. Yet the figure of Zephyrus, the Greek god of the west wind, represents more than just an aesthetic trend. It is an emblem of idealized beauty set against the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution. Wedgwood’s jasperware, with its matte finish and classical motifs, became a symbol of refined taste and aspiration for upwardly mobile classes. But, there is tension between the handcrafted appearance and the factory production that made Wedgwood famous. The figure of Zephyrus also prompts questions about the construction of gender and desire. As a male figure, Zephyrus embodies a certain ideal, but one that may be more about the male gaze and less about lived experiences. This medallion, in its beauty and complexity, becomes a potent reminder of how art both reflects and shapes our understanding of society.