Figure of Britannia
Medium
soft-paste porcelain
Dimensions
28 × 24.5 × 13.7 cm
Classification
Ceramic
Department
Decorative Art and Design
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Bequest of Mary Warden Harkness
Accession Number
1917.626
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
gender unknown
About this artwork
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 Pr...