Intaglio 1787

This intaglio was made by Josiah Wedgwood sometime in the late 18th century using his innovative, mass-producible ceramics. Wedgwood was a master of material invention, especially his famous Jasperware, which imitated ancient cameos and intaglios. Here, he pushed the capacity of ceramics to mimic finely carved stone. The crisp, dark surface highlights the neoclassical design, an allegorical scene reminiscent of ancient Roman art. But Wedgwood wasn't just an artist; he was also a savvy industrialist. He streamlined production, dividing labor, and exploiting economies of scale to bring luxury goods to a wider market. This intaglio, with its detailed relief, speaks to Wedgwood's mastery of ceramic, design, and mass production. Ultimately, works like this blurred the lines between art, craft, and industry, making Wedgwood a key figure in the history of modern design and consumer culture.