England, Staffordshire / c. 1756
Figure of Britannia
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Figure of Britannia as ceramic (England, Staffordshire · c. 1756).
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).
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this ceramic as soft-paste porcelain and credits Longton Hall Porcelain Factory (British, Staffordshire, 1749–60).
The museum's collection notes: 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.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtFigure of BritanniaOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.