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A framed Wedgwood black basalt portrait medallion depicting Vice Admiral Horatio, Lord Nelson. A left-facing high-relief profile bust of Admiral Lord Nelson in full historic military dress. Detailed execution of naval officer epaulets, heavily decorated lapels, and the Order of the Garter star medal pinned to his chest. His hair is styled in a formal powdered queue gathered back with a ribbon. Made from fine-grained, unglazed matte black stoneware known as black basalt, which provides a dramatic shadow effect across the relief carving.
The portrait medallion was examined and photographed outside the frame. No chips, cracks, scratches or restoration. Unmarked, which was typical for the early pieces.
The portrait medallion is matted in concentric red, white, and blue rings and contained in a carved, circular antique walnut frame featuring alternating fluted and cross-hatched geometric patterns.
The original profile relief was modeled by the sculptor John De Vaere in 1798 to commemorate Nelson's victory at the Battle of the Nile. Following Nelson's death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, Wedgwood heavily produced these black basalt plaques throughout the 19th century as popular commemorative items. Compare this one with the photos of other 19th century examples in the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and others included in the photos.
Framed, the portrait medallion measures approximately 8 1/8 inches by 9.5 inches by .75 inches. The frame has a couple of splits in the wood, as shown in photos.
The item(s) are antique and sold as is/as found unless otherwise noted. Because they are old, they were used and will not look new or new-like. They likely show wear, fading, scratches, chips, cracks, past repair/restoration, original imperfections and/or damage from normal use. Significant issues are shown in photos. Examine photos carefully as they are part of the description. Imperfections were factored into pricing. No returns or refunds.
Freight shipping or local pickup must be arranged by the buyer. Buyers assume full responsibility for the pick up, packing and freight shipping of purchases or lots won at sale. Please contact a shipping company to make shipping arrangements. Contact me through to schedule pickup time and receive pick up address. Items not picked up within 20 calendar days of sale will be relisted on and the purchase price refunded.
