Loading
Figure of Britannia
Longton Hall Porcelain Factory (British, Staffordshire, 1749–60) and Vauxhall Porcelain Factory (British, 1751–1764)c. 1756
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States
In this depiction of Britannia, the figure is surrounded by symbols of England’s power and military might. On one side, she and a lion, another symbol of Britain, support a shield adorned with the Union flag. Below it lay motifs associated with war such as armor, a trumpet, and a flag. On her left, Britannia presents a medallion to the viewer as she rests her feet on a globe, a symbol of the nation’s territorial aspirations. The portrait may depict the reigning king, George II (1683–1760), or Prince Frederick Louis (1707–1751), his recently deceased heir.
Download this artwork (provided by The Cleveland Museum of Art).
Learn more about this artwork.
Details
- Title: Figure of Britannia
- Creator: Longton Hall Porcelain Factory (British, Staffordshire, 1749–60), Vauxhall Porcelain Factory (British, 1751–1764)
- Date Created: c. 1756
- Physical Dimensions: Overall: 28 x 24.5 x 13.7 cm (11 x 9 5/8 x 5 3/8 in.)
- Provenance: Mary Warden Harkness [1864-1916], New York, NY, bequest to the Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
- Type: Ceramic
- Rights: CC0
- External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/1917.626
- Medium: soft-paste porcelain
- Fun Fact: The creation of this triumphant personification of the nation was likely spurred on by Great Britain’s conflict with France in the Seven Years’ War (1756–63).
- Department: Decorative Art and Design
- Culture: England, Staffordshire
- Credit Line: Bequest of Mary Warden Harkness
- Collection: Decorative Arts
- Accession Number: 1917.626
Get the app
Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.