Hygeia, the Muse of Health 1776 - 1780

Curator: This is "Hygeia, the Muse of Health" by Wedgwood. I'm immediately struck by the neoclassical style. Editor: I notice the quiet dignity of the figure, the serpent coiled around her arm, and the branch she holds. Such potent symbolism! Curator: Wedgwood’s work exemplifies the commodification of classical imagery. These plaques were produced in multiples, making artistry accessible, shifting notions of value. Editor: Hygeia, a symbol of health and cleanliness—the serpent is a symbol of healing, a classical motif, an enduring image of wellbeing. Curator: The materiality is crucial. Wedgwood's jasperware, with its matte finish and delicate relief, mimicked ancient cameos, capitalizing on a fascination with antiquity. Editor: And what an apt image for our current era, a timeless reminder of the importance of health. Curator: Indeed, an example of how an object's production informs its cultural reception. Editor: The visual echoes through time are quite powerful.