Vase

Maker Wedgwood Factory (British, Etruria, 1759 - present)

Collections

British Decorative Art Highlights

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS

Dateca. 1820

Mediumstoneware

Dimensionsoverall: 12 1/8 x 12 15/16 in. (30.8 x 32.9 cm.)

DescriptionA large, two-handled vase decorated in imitation of the red-figure vase painting of the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Markingsimpressed: WEDGWOOD

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Kadison

Status

Not on view

Label TextFrom the late sixteenth to the early nineteenth century, it was fashionable for young British aristocrats to visit Italy as a culmination of their classical education. Some of these so-called Grand Tourists acquired artwork—such as ancient vases—during their travels as mementos and as reflections of their taste and learning. Manufactories—like the pottery factory of Josiah Wedgwood—capitalized on the fashion for this artwork, creating items that could be acquired by a wider public wanting to associate themselves with the Grand Tour.

Object number80.16.4

Terms