Wedgwood Black Basalt Pottery Bust Sculpture, Voltaire
View Similar Items
Wedgwood Black Basalt Pottery Bust Sculpture, Voltaire
About the Item
- Creator:Wedgwood (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 11 in (27.94 cm)Width: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:19th Century
- Condition:Great condition. Light shelf-wear.
- Seller Location:Pasadena, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2306318476452
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.
- 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
$780 Sale Price20% Off - 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
- Bust of Minverva in Black Basalt. Wedgwood C1880.By WedgwoodLocated in Melbourne, VictoriaWedgwood produced a very successful line of Library Busts, of which Minerva and Mercury were the longest in production, running right up into the 20th century - they make a good pair...Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Neoclassical Pottery
MaterialsStoneware
- Bust of Mercury in Black Basalt. Wedgwood C1820.By WedgwoodLocated in Melbourne, VictoriaWedgwood produced a very successful line of Library Busts, of which Minerva and Mercury were the longest in production, running right up into the 20th century - they make a good pair...Category
Antique Early 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
$4,450 / set - Wedgwood Black Basalt Library Bust of MercuryBy John FlaxmanLocated in New Orleans, LAThis model is attributed to John Flaxman, Jr., a celebrated English sculptor, illustrator and designer, considered a leading artist in the Neoclassical style in England. In this expertly rendered black basalt bust...Category
Antique 19th Century English Neoclassical Busts
MaterialsCeramic
