Rare Signed Wedgwood Basalt Figure of Somnus

An 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...

One 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...

This is an important black basalt Wedgwood figure of Josiah Wedgwood, who is the founder of Wedgwood, holding his historic Portland vase, which was a proud work of art for Wedgwood. ...

These 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...

A 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 - ...

This 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...