Medallion with Roman Emperor c. late 18th century

This is a medallion with a Roman Emperor made by the Wedgwood Manufactory. Notice the profile portrait, a motif deeply embedded in the Western tradition of power and authority. The profile, popularized by ancient Roman coins and imperial portraiture, extends back to the sculpted heads of Greek rulers and gods. It reappears in Renaissance medals, affirming the sitter's status through classical allusion, a kind of "transference" if you will, imbuing modern figures with the gravitas of the ancient world. Observe how the stark contrast between the white figure and the blue ground creates a powerful image, evoking a sense of idealized nobility. The image, like a persistent ghost, reminds us of the enduring human impulse to immortalize and emulate our leaders, carrying echoes of past glories into the present. Its cyclical progression in history allows it to resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different contexts.