Cameo
MakerAttributed to
The Hartford Faience Co.
founded 1895
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
George Douglas Rankin Sr.
American
Dateabout 1910
MediumCast blue and white porcelain
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 7/8 x 3/4in. (2.2 x 1.9cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Margaret Rankin
DescriptionOval, porcelain cameo with a raised white decoration. The raised decoration shows two figures, a man on the left, and a woman on the right. The man has short, curly hair, a beard, and a well-muscled torso. He is holding a club in his right hand. To his left, the viewer's right, the female figure stands, with her head slightly bowed. She is wearing classical Grecian costume below the waist and possibly holds a shield in her left hand. The two figures are surrounded by a raised blue oval. The edges of the cameo, around the oval, are octagonal.
Object number1986.160.15
NotesSubject Note: The male figure to the left is Hercules, known in Greek as Heracles, the son of Zeus, leader of the Olympian gods. Hercules was famous for his strength. The woman to the right may be his wife, Deianeriea, or one of many allegorical figures that appears in Greek mythology concerning Hercules. (Hunt and Hudson 10/4/2004)Historical Note: George Douglas Rankin, the donor's father, was the President of the Hartford Faience Company in Hartford, Connecticut.
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