Terpsichore, Muse of Dance and Choral Lyrics c. 18th century

Curator: This is Wedgwood’s “Terpsichore, Muse of Dance and Choral Lyrics,” a delicate cameo piece residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has an ethereal quality, almost dreamlike in its simplicity, doesn’t it? She seems to float above the surface. Curator: Wedgwood was masterful in his use of classical imagery to appeal to the tastes of the rising middle class. Terpsichore, of course, carries heavy cultural weight. Editor: Indeed, the harp she holds is more than just an instrument; it symbolizes harmony, inspiration. Her flowing robes suggest movement, capturing the essence of dance itself. Curator: And the fact that it's a cameo, a mass-produced item, made classical ideals accessible. It was a strategic move for democratization of art. Editor: It's fascinating how a single image, repeated across many objects, can imprint itself on the collective consciousness. It is cultural memory made tactile. Curator: Seeing it through that lens gives me a new appreciation for Wedgwood’s entrepreneurial spirit. Editor: It offers a glimpse into how symbols evolve. It’s like witnessing a whispered secret passed down through generations.