Dancing Hours
Summary
Rectangular plaque, stoneware, solid white jasper with blue dip and applied white relief decoration depicting the 'Dancing Hours'. Dark blue dip reverse, lighter blue on front, and plain white edges. White applied relief of 'Dancing Hours' six classical female figures, holding hands and dancing along a narrow strip of ground.
Display Label
Grand Tour and Grand Style The Influence of Travel Improvements in European travel during the 1700s had a wide-ranging impact on British culture. A particularly significant influence was the Grand Tour, which became almost obligatory for young gentlemen. Grand Tourists were led across Europe by tutors to study art, history and politics for two or three years. The Grand Tour focused on Italy, particularly Rome, and often incorporated new archaeological sites such as those at Herculaneum and Pompei, near Naples. Ancient antiquities were heavily trafficked across Europe and continental works of art flooded into Britain. A period of especially active collecting took place between the end of the Seven Years War in 1763 and the rise of Napoleon in the 1790s. As more artists and designers also visited the continent their work became increasingly informed by travel. The serious themes of classical antiquity and European art led to a new departure in painting called the Grand Style. This championed classical, historical or literary subjects, and inspired radical changes in portraiture and landscape. Widespread interest in Greek and Roman remains also fostered fresh interpretations of ancient designs by pioneers of decorative art such as Josiah Wedgwood.
Object Name
Dancing Hours
Creators Name
Date Created
1782
Dimensions
Whole: 7.5cm x 26cm
accession number
1906.71
Collection Group
Place of creation
Etruria
Medium
jasperware
Legal
© Manchester Art Gallery
