Medallion with Peace c. late 18th century

This is a Medallion with Peace, made by the Wedgwood Manufactory. This delicate piece asks us to consider the complicated relationship between art and politics. Manufacturers like Wedgwood capitalized on the fashion for classical imagery, which was in vogue at the time. The figure of Peace, rendered in white against a distinctive blue background, exemplifies the Neoclassical style, but it also makes us question the political context in which this image was created. While the figure of Peace may evoke harmony, the factories that produced these medallions often relied on exploited labor. The beauty of this tiny object belies the complex socio-economic conditions of its production. Wearing this emblem allowed individuals to align themselves with ideals of peace, yet perhaps without fully confronting the cost of such aspirations.