Sailor 1765 - 1785

This figure of a sailor was made in Staffordshire, England, in the late 18th century by Ralph Wood the Younger, using earthenware with a lead glaze. The production of ceramics like this one involved a division of labor, with specialized workers for each stage of production. From mixing the clay to molding, firing, and decorating, each step required specific skills, and the overall quality depended on the coordination of these processes. Notice how the lead glaze, applied after the initial firing, gives the piece a smooth, glossy surface, enhancing its colors and making it water-resistant. The figure's attire, from the loosely fitted jacket to the neckerchief and wide-brimmed hat, reflects typical sailor's garb of the period. Ceramic figurines like this were consumer goods, purchased by those who benefitted from the labor of others. Today, appreciating the ‘Sailor’ involves acknowledging the social context of its creation, challenging the traditional hierarchy between decorative arts and fine art.