Medallion with Portrait of Thomas Bentley c. 1775

This oval medallion of Thomas Bentley was crafted by the Wedgwood Manufactory. The eye is immediately drawn to the contrast between the stark white profile and the soft blue background, framed by concentric bands of gold and black. This contrast highlights the portrait's Neoclassical style and the interplay of color and form. The raised relief of Bentley’s profile against the flat, powder-blue ground creates a sense of depth, while the frame adds another layer, emphasizing the medallion as a self-contained object. This piece reflects broader artistic and philosophical concerns. The precise lines and classical references speak to Enlightenment values of reason and order. Consider the semiotic system at play here: the white figure against the blue ground can be interpreted as a sign of purity and intellect, while the surrounding frame acts as a cultural code marking status and refinement. It challenges fixed notions by presenting a modern individual through a classical lens. The medallion's carefully balanced design invites us to question how art shapes our understanding of identity.