Plaque 1785 - 1795

This striking plaque was created by Josiah Wedgwood. It features three figures sculpted in white relief against a serene blue background, framed by a decorative gilded border. The composition draws the eye across the tableau, from the seated figure on the left to the pair standing on the right. Wedgwood masterfully employs the contrast between the stark white figures and the flat blue ground to create a sense of depth and classical elegance. The figures, draped in robes, are rendered with delicate lines. The plaque’s clean lines and balanced composition evoke a sense of order and harmony reminiscent of classical art. Yet, Wedgwood's plaque can be seen as more than just a neoclassical revival. Through its precise execution and attention to detail, the plaque destabilizes our conventional understanding of historical representation. It challenges the viewer to reconsider the relationship between form and content and between past and present. It is a thought-provoking object that invites continued reflection.