Box 1785 - 1799

This Jasperware box was created by Josiah Wedgwood in the late 18th century, a period that saw the revival of classical forms. The box captivates with its striking blue and white contrast. The circular design, with its concentric zones, draws the eye inward. At the center, a neoclassical scene unfolds in white relief. It features a chariot pulled by two horses, driven by a figure reminiscent of ancient deities. Around this central medallion, the checkerboard pattern plays with geometry, while tiny green floral motifs are strategically positioned at the intersection of the white squares, adding a subtle layer of complexity. Wedgwood was not just an artist but an industrialist who revolutionized pottery production. His embrace of Neoclassicism suited the intellectual climate of the Enlightenment. The box's clear lines and idealized figures, coupled with its mass-producible design, reflect the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and order, suggesting that even decorative objects could embody philosophical ideals.