Cameo with Minerva c. late 18th century

The Wedgwood Manufactory created this cameo with Minerva, an oval relief set against a contrasting ground. The piece is small but dense with information. The cameo's structure is articulated through contrasting colors and textures. An outer frame, seemingly made of wood, surrounds a delicate gold filigree. This frames a tranquil blue background which showcases a neoclassical profile. The figure of Minerva, rendered in a pale material, possibly jasperware, is sharply defined. The composition is highly formal. This formality brings up the intersection between art, industry, and classical ideals. Wedgwood's innovative use of industrial techniques to mimic classical forms challenges traditional notions of artistic production. The cameo's form references a semiotic system linking beauty, knowledge, and power, which can be understood through the lens of structuralism and its cultural codes. The meticulous craftsmanship and balanced structure of the piece invite ongoing interpretation, reflecting how art constantly renegotiates meaning.