Plaque with Arming of Achilles 1790

The Wedgwood Manufactory's "Plaque with Arming of Achilles" (1790) is a jasperware plaque depicting the arming of the Greek hero Achilles, a famous scene from Homer's Iliad. The white figures are set against a blue background, framed by a gilt border. The composition features a group of five figures, including Achilles, his armorer, and a horse, highlighting the preparation for battle. This plaque is a testament to the enduring popularity of classical mythology and exemplifies the Neoclassical style that was prevalent in late 18th-century European art.