- Museum number
- C371.25
- Object
- Plaquette: Hercules in the garden of the Hesperides, jasperware, Wedgwood Ceramic Factory, about 1785–95
- Description
- Cameo 1785-95.Circular solid blue with polished lapidary edges. White border of flowers with white figure of Hercules mourning.Slightly chipped edge
- 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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