Plaque with Sacrifice to Hymen 1789

This Wedgwood jasperware plaque, created in 1789, depicts a sacrifice to Hymen, the Greek god of marriage. The central figure, a young man holding a torch, stands before an altar with offerings. Three other figures, likely cupids, surround him, symbolizing love, festivity, and abundance. The scene is framed in a golden border on a cobalt blue background, which underscores the classical inspiration for the plaque. This piece is an example of the Wedgwood Manufactory's fine craftsmanship and enduring interest in Greco-Roman mythology.