The Finding of Moses
Artist
William Beattie
(Scottish, ca. 1802 - 1867)
Manufacturer
Josiah Wedgwood & Sons, Ltd.
(English)
CultureEnglish
Dateca. 1855
MediumParian porcelain
DimensionsOverall: 19 1/4 x 15 3/4 in. (48.9 x 40 cm)
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number71.3275
Not on view
DescriptionMoses, as a baby, with the Princess of Egypt and a servant. Parian, classical in style.Label TextWilliam Beattie Scottish, ca. 1802–1867 The Finding of Moses, ca. 1855 Parian porcelain by Josiah Wedgwood & Sons, Ltd., Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.3275 Although the glittery surface of these statuettes resembles marble, they are actually made of less-expensive Parian porcelain, a material invented in the 1840s. Manufactured by England’s leading pottery companies, porcelain figurines became popular parlor décor on both sides of the Atlantic. Some firms commissioned artists to produce original designs, while others issued copies of famous statues, like the miniature version of Hiram Powers’ Greek Slave seen here. Subjects referring to slavery in the Mediterranean and ancient worlds often appealed to abolitionists by blending artistic and political values.
