Twee komische figuren van terracotta before 1874

These two comic figures, made in terracotta by Stephen Thompson, invite us to consider the material and its making. Terracotta, meaning 'baked earth' in Italian, is one of the oldest and most accessible ceramic materials. Formed from natural clay and fired at relatively low temperatures, it has been a staple of art and architecture across cultures for millennia. Looking closely, you can see the inherent qualities of the material – its earthy color, slightly coarse texture, and substantial weight. The hand-building process also leaves its mark, lending a tactile, expressive quality to the figures. The artist’s touch is evident in the subtle variations of form. What is interesting here is how the artist engages with a tradition so deeply rooted in craft, while also creating something that speaks to contemporary aesthetics. By embracing the humble nature of terracotta and allowing the making process to remain visible, the artist blurs the lines between fine art and craft. This emphasizes the importance of materials, context, and the act of creation itself in understanding the full meaning of the work.