Cameo with Head of a Man c. late 18th century

This cameo with the head of a man was made by the Wedgwood Manufactory out of Jasperware. We can see the way the art world reflects the wider social structure in pieces like this. Josiah Wedgwood was an astute businessman, using new industrial methods to create luxury items for the emerging middle classes of England. He understood the importance of associating his wares with the established aristocratic taste, and replicated classical forms. This allowed aspiring families to purchase items that imitated the lifestyles of the wealthy. It's important to remember that Wedgwood was also deeply involved in political movements. He was a supporter of the abolition of slavery. Historians can find a lot of information about the social context of art by looking at company records and correspondence. The meaning of an artwork depends on its social and institutional history.