Basalt Portrait Medallion, Tiberius Augustus, Wedgwood, circa 1775
About the Item
- Creator:Wedgwood (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)Width: 7 in (17.78 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
- Style:Neoclassical (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Stoneware,Molded
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1775
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Melbourne, AU
- Reference Number:
Wedgwood
Arguably the most celebrated of all English ceramics makers, Wedgwood was founded in 1759 by Staffordshire potter Josiah Wedgwood (1730–95). The company is famed for its Jasperware — molded Neoclassical stoneware vases, plates and other pieces, inspired by ancient cameo glass, featuring white figures, scenes and decorative elements set in relief on a matte colored background. The best-known background hue is light blue, but Wedgwood’s iconic silhouettes also appear on green, lilac, yellow, black and even white grounds. Some pieces use three or more colors.
The Wedgwood firm first came to prominence for its tableware, which quickly gained favor in aristocratic households throughout Britain and Europe. In 1765, Wedgwood was commissioned to create a cream-colored earthenware service for Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III. The queen was so thrilled with her new china that Wedgwood was given permission to call himself “Potter to Her Majesty,” and the decorative style became known as Queen’s Ware. Not to be outdone, Catherine the Great of Russia commissioned her own set of Wedgwood china in 1773. Nearly 200 years later, the firm created a 1,200-piece service for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In recent years, leading designers including Jasper Conran and Vera Wang have collaborated with Wedgwood — in the tradition of such distinguished 18th century artists such as the painter George Stubbs and metalsmith Matthew Boulton.
From plates and other dinnerware to decorative items like urns, cachepots and candlesticks, Wedgwood designs lend a traditional air to Anglophile interiors. And even if you have to make your own tea, you may find it comforting to sip it from a delicate cup that was manufactured in the same Stoke-on-Trent kiln that produced Her Majesty’s tea service. Be sure to keep your pinky raised.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Melbourne, Australia
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Basalt Portrait Medallion, Oliver Cromwell, Wedgwood, circa 1775By WedgwoodLocated in Melbourne, VictoriaA self-framing portrait medallion of Oliver Cromwell, MP: rebel, regicide, suppressor of Ireland, persecutor of Catholics, and Dictator. He was posthum...Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsStoneware
- Basalt Portrait Medallion, Edward Bourne, Wedgwood, circa 1780By WedgwoodLocated in Melbourne, VictoriaPortrait Medallion of Edward Bourne, bricklayer at the Wedgwood factory. A bricklayer was kept on staff in order to maintain the kilns. This was modelled by Hackwood as an excercise...Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsStoneware
- Basalt Portrait Medallion, William of Orange, Wedgwood, circa 1785By WedgwoodLocated in Melbourne, VictoriaA self-framing portrait medallion of William of Orange. The mixed-vase mark dates this example firmly in the 1780s. Wedgwood produced a number of co...Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsStoneware
- Jasperware Portrait Medallion, Marc Antony, Wedgwood, circa 1778By WedgwoodLocated in Melbourne, VictoriaAn important early portrait medallion of Marc Antony in plain white jasper, probably predating the invention of the ‘dip’ process, which is why it i...Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsStoneware
- Portrait Medallions David Garrick & Sarah Siddons, Wedgwood, 19th CenturyBy WedgwoodLocated in Melbourne, VictoriaA matched pair of portrait medallions showing the famous actors Mr Garrick (C1830) and Mrs Siddons, (circa 1880). Framed as a pair, they work well together. David Garrick and Sarah Siddons...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Neoclassical Pottery
MaterialsPottery
- Pair of Bacchantes in Black Basalt. Wedgwood C1860.By WedgwoodLocated in Melbourne, VictoriaPerhaps the most complex work in black basalt undertaken on any scale by Wedgwood, the Bacchantes, are adapted from sculptures by Clodion. A large and impressive pair, ful of vigour ...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Neoclassical Pottery
MaterialsStoneware
- Wedgwood Black Basalt LionsBy WedgwoodLocated in New Orleans, LAThese stately and imposing lions each recline on a rectangular base, their splendidly carved faces and paws rendered in fine detail, their tails wrapped around their haunches. Caught in repose, the lions wear wise, almost pensive expressions, but Wedgwood's masterful rendering of their musculature hints at the power and ferocity of these magnificent creatures. This work is executed in black basalt...Category
Antique 19th Century English Animal Sculptures
MaterialsPorcelain, Stoneware
- Wedgwood Black Basalt Hedgehog Bulb PlanterBy WedgwoodLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLA black basalt bulb pot molded as a hedgehog, made by Wedgwood in the middle of the 19th century. Finely molded as a lively little hedgehog, this unique object would have been use...Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Neoclassical Planters and Jardinieres
MaterialsStoneware
- Wedgwood Black Basalt Figure of RousseauBy WedgwoodLocated in New Orleans, LAOne of history’s greatest thinkers, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, is the subject of this black basalt figure by Wedgwood. The individual features and personality of the celebrated philosoph...Category
Antique 19th Century English Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsCeramic, Stoneware
- Wedgwood Black Basalt Figure of CupidBy WedgwoodLocated in New Orleans, LAAn important homage to love, this large black basalt figure is an impressive example of Wedgwood's artistry and imagination. Cupid, the ancient Roman god of love, is standing amongst billowing clouds with a pair of doves at his feet. Gazing towards earth with one hand shielding his eyes, the other hand holds an arrow. His bow and quiver rest at his side, ready to take aim. "CUPID" is etched into the base. Considered a crowning achievement of Wedgwood, black basalt was created by blending manganese with an iron-oxide rich slurry procured from coal mines called carr. In addition to the impressive color, this combination also provided additional strength and solidity. While it initially proved challenging to fire because of its weight, that same characteristic was advantageous in creating ornaments, lending stability to library...Category
Antique 19th Century English Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsCeramic, Stoneware
- A Wedgwood Black Basalt Library Bust of CiceroBy WedgwoodLocated in London, GBA Wedgwood Black Basalt Library Bust of Cicero (106–43 BC) Roman Orator and Statesman Impressed ‘Wedgwood’ and ‘Cicero’ to the reverse England Circa 1780 – 1795 Size: 29cm high - ...Category
Antique Late 18th Century British Busts
MaterialsTerracotta
- Wedgwood Black Basalt Bust of George StephensonBy WedgwoodLocated in Montreal, QCBlack basalt bust of George Stephenson, (1781-1848), British railway engineer, considered the father of the modern railway builder of the famous Roc...Category
Early 20th Century English Ceramics
MaterialsCeramic
