Artwork Page for Figure of Britannia

Details / Information for Figure of Britannia

Figure of Britannia

c. 1756
maker

Longton Hall Porcelain Factory

(British, Staffordshire, 1749–60)
decorator

Vauxhall Porcelain Factory

(British, 1751–1764)
Culture
England, Staffordshire
Medium
soft-paste porcelain
Measurements
Overall: 28 x 24.5 x 13.7 cm (11 x 9 5/8 x 5 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Mary Warden Harkness 1917.626
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
203A British Painting and Decorative Arts
Print
?

Did You Know?

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).

Description

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.

Figure of Britannia

c. 1756

Longton Hall Porcelain Factory, Vauxhall Porcelain Factory

(British, Staffordshire, 1749–60), (British, 1751–1764)
England, Staffordshire

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

    Contact Us

    The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

    To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

    All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.