Plate 1841 - 1849

This ceramic plate was made by William Ridgway, Son & Co. in the mid-19th century. At its center, we see an idealized landscape featuring a neoclassical tower. The tower, reminiscent of ancient Roman monuments, serves as a powerful symbol. It evokes ideas of permanence, authority, and cultural legacy. Such structures were often placed in gardens, embodying a longing for an idealized past and a connection to classical virtues. We find similar obelisks throughout history, from ancient Egyptian sun worship to their adoption by the Romans. The placement in verdant landscapes, as seen here, can also be traced through the Renaissance, representing a harmony between humanity and nature, an Arcadian vision. This image speaks to our deeply rooted desire to connect with previous eras, and the cyclical way we repurpose their visual language to create meaning in our own time.