Cameo with Portrait of Prince Charles Edward Stuart c. late 18th century

This cameo depicting Prince Charles Edward Stuart was created by the Wedgwood Manufactory. Here, we see the profile of a man, molded in white against a bold blue background. This profile portrait connects to a long tradition of portraying individuals in powerful and idealized ways, much like the Roman emperors on ancient coins. Think of Augustus, his profile captured for eternity, just as Charles' image here aims for immortality. This echoes the ancient practice of commemorating rulers, a visual language designed to convey authority. Yet, unlike those emperors, Charles' story is laced with tragedy. This romantic profile, with its delicate carving, stands in stark contrast to the turmoil of his life. In viewing this cameo, we can understand the cyclical nature of hope, loss, and remembrance, a continuous thread in the fabric of human history.