Museum number
C371.65
Object
Plaque: Cupids for Sale, Josiah Wedgwood, jasperware, about 1775-1800
Description
Cameo 1785-95.Rectangular with corners cut off.White with olive green edge raised white border, black background for white figures. Four females (2 seated, 2 standing) and three cherubs and cupid, Cherubs being released from cage.Polished lapidary edges,Ran 3 - colour type
Materials
Earthenware
Inscription
Wedgwood 3. The three is thought only to be put on very good examples and is the mark of a skilled craftsman. Meteyard: Handbook for Collectors: quoted in Rathbone's Wedgwood.
On display?
Yes

Further description

Simple name
Cameo
Subject
Mythological
Dimensions
regular: 6.5cm (h) x 3.5cm (w)
Cupids for sale Jasperware, about 1780 C371.65 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.

Please help us improve our records. Let us know if there are any errors by writing to curators@holburne.org