Medallion with Judgment of Hercules c. 1778

This is an oval medallion depicting the Judgment of Hercules, created by the Wedgwood Manufactory. The narrative is drawn from classical antiquity, a period that held particular fascination during the 18th and 19th centuries. Hercules, the Roman name for the Greek hero Heracles, stands between two female figures: Virtue, on the left, points upwards to the path of duty and glory, while Pleasure reclines on the right, inviting him to a life of ease. Such allegories were frequently used to instruct the elite on morality and the necessity of choosing a virtuous path. Consider how the depiction of Hercules as a muscular, nude male, contrasts with the draped, idealized forms of the female figures. These stylistic choices reflect prevailing gendered expectations. The medallion invites us to reflect on the choices we make and the values we prioritize. It offers a glimpse into the historical construction of morality, and the representation of gender and the human condition.