Richard Wagner
Plaque
20th century (made)
20th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Plaques of famous composers such as this were mass-produced as souvenirs throughout the 20th century. The ability to transfer-print images photographically on to a ceramic base meant that they could be produced cheaply and sold to tourists. The leather loop attached to the back indicates that this was designed to be hung on a wall.
The German composer Richard Wagner (1813-1883), who dominated 19th century opera as a composer of monumental works, saw opera as a religion or a philosophy. He aimed to compose works which abandoned the usual operatic conventions of recitative and aria, blending orchestra, voice and words into a dramatic unity.
The German composer Richard Wagner (1813-1883), who dominated 19th century opera as a composer of monumental works, saw opera as a religion or a philosophy. He aimed to compose works which abandoned the usual operatic conventions of recitative and aria, blending orchestra, voice and words into a dramatic unity.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Richard Wagner (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Transfer printed porcelain |
| Brief description | Plaque produced as a souvenir of the composer Richard Wagner (1813-1833), Continental, 20th century |
| Physical description | Oval porcelain plaque with transfer-printed bust of Wagner, bare-headed with white hair and sideburns, looking to his right,wearing a blue tie and jacket. The plaque is decorated in underglaze in blue, brown, grey and flesh tones on a white base, with gold painted 'deckled' edging. Under the bust is a reproduction signature 'Richard Wagner' and his dates '22.5.1813 - 13.2.1883'. A leather loop for hanging is attached to the back. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Credit line | Richard Vincent Hughes Bequest |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | Plaques of famous composers such as this were mass-produced as souvenirs throughout the 20th century. The ability to transfer-print images photographically on to a ceramic base meant that they could be produced cheaply and sold to tourists. The leather loop attached to the back indicates that this was designed to be hung on a wall. The German composer Richard Wagner (1813-1883), who dominated 19th century opera as a composer of monumental works, saw opera as a religion or a philosophy. He aimed to compose works which abandoned the usual operatic conventions of recitative and aria, blending orchestra, voice and words into a dramatic unity. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.333-1981 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | November 17, 2005 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSON
