Terpsichore

Object NamePlaque

Manufacturer Wedgwood (English (Stoke-on-Trent, England), founded 1759)

Datec. 1769-1780

OriginEngland

MediumJasperware

Dimensions3 3/8 × 2 3/4 in. (8.6 × 7 cm)

ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Ceramics

Credit LineGift of M. Burton Drexler. In the M. Burton Drexler Collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberUM93.30

Status

Not on view

Collections

CultureEnglish

Label TextFrom the University Museums Collections Handbook, vol. 2, 2025: Josiah Wedgwood lived and worked in Staffordshire, the pottery making center of 18th century England, where his family worked in the industry. A bout of smallpox left the young apprentice with a weak leg (later amputated), limiting his ability to use a potter’s wheel, which led him to focus more on experimentation in his ceramic bodies. Along with his skill as a potter and designer, he was a scientist performing thousands of experiments to develop new ceramic bodies, an astute businessman, and a humanitarian. Wedgwood is best known for jasperware, a stoneware body that he created and that was one of the most important technical developments in modern ceramics. Many people will easily recognize jasperware—even if they don’t know it by name—thanks to its distinctive blue and white design, which has become the hallmark of Wedgwood ceramics since its creation in the 1770s. This small plaque of Terpsichore, one of the nine Muses of Greek mythology who presided over dance and chorus, is created in the best-known jasperware color combination. It most likely would have been used in concert with plaques of the other Muses and Apollo. Many of Wedgwood’s designs directly responded to the overwhelming taste for Neoclassical design that swept late 18th century Europe and England. The color palette of the original jasperware body also corresponded to the preference for a pale color palette of the period, and plaques such as this could be added to mantle pieces and furniture.

Markingson base "Wedgwood & Bentley". Five small holes on back.

Locations