Cameo with Hercules and Bull c. late 18th century

This cameo, crafted by the Wedgwood Manufactory in the late 18th century, depicts the Greek hero Hercules carrying the Cretan Bull on his shoulders. The cameo is set in a silver frame adorned with a decorative border of small metal beads. The Wedgwood Manufactory was renowned for its jasperware, which is characterized by a blue or green glaze with white cameo reliefs. This piece, measuring just 8.4 × 5.2 cm, exemplifies the company's skill in creating miniature works of art that captured classical themes and aesthetics.