Thalia, Muse of Comedy 1777

Curator: This is a Wedgwood plaque depicting Thalia, the Muse of Comedy. Editor: She looks so serene! Almost melancholic, despite the comedic mask she holds. Is it meant to be ironic? Curator: Wedgwood often drew on classical imagery, reflecting the taste of the elite at the time. The choice of a muse elevated the status of his wares. Editor: So, it’s about social positioning. I wonder how accessible this was to the working class, and if they found humor in the elite's interpretation of comedy. Curator: These plaques were luxury items, circulated amongst the upper classes, often displayed in drawing rooms or libraries. Editor: It makes you think about who gets to define what is funny, and who is left out of the joke. Curator: Indeed. This piece reflects a specific cultural moment and the dynamics of power embedded within it. Editor: Precisely, it prompts us to consider the narratives and social structures that shape artistic expression and reception.