Chess Piece: Pawn c. 19th century

This Chess Piece: Pawn was made by the Wedgwood Manufactory, but its exact date is unknown. It is rendered in the distinctive pale blue jasperware the pottery became known for in the late 18th century. Wedgwood was an innovative company, successfully marketing luxury goods to the middle classes. The neoclassical style of this pawn, with its evocation of ancient warriors, was very fashionable among consumers at the time. This carefully crafted piece speaks to the rising importance of consumerism and the development of new markets for luxury goods. Art historians analyze how such objects reflect the tastes and values of their time, examining factors like consumer demand, production techniques, and the social status associated with owning such items. It is only through detailed research of this kind, including archival evidence from the Wedgwood factory, that we can fully appreciate the cultural significance of this mass-produced artwork.