• Width:
  2 Inches
• Height:
  2 1/4 Inches
• Period:
  18th Century
• Origin:
  England/Ireland

Exemplifying classical beauty and elegant simplicity, this exquisite Wedgwood dark blue jasper cameo medallion depicts a man with a headband in profile. Some of Wedgwood's most decorative and meticulous work was executed in cameos, which were made from white porcelain bisque and unglazed blue jasperware. The white relief has been molded separately and so carefully applied that this cameo is flawless even under a magnifying glass. Wedgwood was so highly regarded by his contemporaries that kings, princes, and collectors from all over Europe allowed him to study and take molds from their collections. Subjects ranged from the classical Greek and Roman to portraits of philosophers, poets, and heroes. Mounted to use as ornament, the Wedgwood medallion cameos were used as decoration for furniture and were framed for wall ornament or architectural treatment over doorways, fireplaces, and windows. The famous Amethyst Room, designed for Empress Catherine the Great, and Thomas Jefferson's dining room at Monticello both had Wedgwood cameos set in walls. Embodying classical beauty and simplicity, these flawless jasper medallions are among Wedgwood's most sought-after wares.

Circa 1780

2" wide x 2 1/4" high

Reference:
Cameos Old and New, 1991, Anna Miller