Portrait Plaque 1820 - 1830

This exquisitely crafted portrait plaque, by Apsley Pellatt, is made of glass. It encapsulates the spirit of the 19th century’s fascination with both technology and social status. The cameo, a profile portrait in relief, has deep roots in antiquity, but it underwent a significant revival in the Victorian era. Here, Pellatt’s choice of glass as a medium is particularly telling. Glass production was becoming increasingly industrialized, making it more accessible to a wider segment of society. This portrait is a testament to that shift, where the aspiration to emulate aristocratic art forms trickled down to the middle classes, reflecting a changing social landscape where visibility and self-presentation became paramount. By examining trade records, exhibition catalogues, and period publications, we can reveal the complex interplay between technological innovation, artistic expression, and social aspiration that shaped the production and reception of artworks like this.