Figures of the classical muses, separated by trees, provide the principal decoration of th...

Figures of the classical muses, separated by trees, provide the principal decoration of these spill vases in Wedgwood's relatively scarce combination of black on buff yellow. Above a classical scrolled border completes the composition.

White horizontal bands of at the foot and bordering the upper border--merely the white body allowed to emerge from the yellow dip layer--add a particularly effective contrast to the black relief.

 

Muses depicted are: Urania, muse of astronomy (shown with the celestial globe and compass...

Muses depicted are:

Urania, muse of astronomy (shown with the celestial globe and compasses used by astronomers; modeller unknown)

Terpsicore, muse of choral dance ( shown with a lyre and plectrum; originally modeled by John Flaxman 1776/77)

Euterpe, muse of lyric poetry (shown with tibiae or pipes; originally modeled by John Flaxman)

Melpomene, muse of tragedy (shown holding a tragic mask and the club of Hercules; originally modeled by John Flaxman)