Museum number
C371.16
Object
Plaquette: Minerva with shield, jasperware, Wedgwood Ceramic Factory, about 1775–1800
Description
Cameo. CircularPale blue jasper with white figure of helmeted female with shield representing MinervaProbably Adams.
Materials
Jasperware
On display?
Yes

Further description

Simple name
Cameo
Subject
Mythological
Plaquettes Wedgwood Ceramic Factory Jasperware, about 1775–1800 Jasperware, a type of stoneware that can be made in many different colours, is perhaps Josiah Wedgwood’s most famous, and enduring, creation. The delicate reliefs on these jasperware plaquettes were made in moulds and set on backgrounds of contrasting colours. The same plaquette could be made using different combinations of colours. Mounted in gold or cut steel, these tiny sculpted pictures or ‘plaquettes’ were used to decorate buttons, buckles, watchbacks, jewellery, snuff boxes and toothpick cases. The larger plaques were framed and hung on walls or were mounted on furniture and chimneypieces. Subjects ranged from classical mythology and history to contemporary portraits. Josiah Wedgwood commissioned many leading artists to create his designs. They included a group of aristocratic women artists, Lady Diana Beauclerk, Emma Crewe and Elizabeth Templetown.

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