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Figure of Britannia
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
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 Prince Frederick Louis (1707–1751), his recently deceased heir.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineFigure of Britannia, c. 1756. Made by Longton Hall Porcelain Factory (British, Staffordshire, 1749–60), decorated by Vauxhall Porcelain Factory (British, 1751–1764). Soft-paste porcelain; overall: 28 x 24.5 x 13.7 cm (11 x 9 5/8 x 5 3/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Bequest of Mary Warden Harkness, 1917.626
