Plaque with Priam and Achilles c. 1790

This Wedgwood jasperware plaque, produced around 1790, depicts the poignant scene of Priam, king of Troy, pleading with Achilles to return the body of his slain son, Hector. The contrasting colors of the white figures on a deep blue background lend a sense of drama to the scene, emphasizing the tragic events depicted in this iconic tale of Greek mythology. The relief sculpture, a characteristic of Wedgwood’s work, adds depth and texture to the composition, enhancing the emotive impact of the scene.