Button with Choice of Hercules c. late 18th century

This small, circular button, made by the Wedgwood Manufactory in the late 18th century, showcases the iconic "Choice of Hercules" motif in a jasperware cameo. The blue jasperware background is a hallmark of Wedgwood's work, providing a striking contrast to the white cameo relief depicting the Greek hero Hercules choosing between Vice and Virtue. This intricate design, which draws from classical mythology, exemplifies the neoclassical aesthetic that was prevalent in the late 18th century.