Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1972.2498 |
Object Name |
Medallion |
Title |
Medallion with Portrait of Benjamin Franklin |
School |
Wedgwood |
Description |
After 1766 bas-relief by Isaac Gosset. Ceramic, white on black jasper dip. Inscribed on rear: "Wedgwood" and "Franklin" stamped. |
Label |
Made by the famed Wedgwood ceramics firm, this jasperware medallion was modeled after the 1766 wax figure of Benjamin Franklin by Isaac Gosset in the APS collection (60.S.1). Josiah Wedgwood, the firm's founder, was a strong supporter of the American Revolution. The company produced at least eight portraits of Franklin in the late 18th century, first in creamware and black basalt, and then in colored jasperware (2009.5), which was popular and inexpensive. Though artist James Tassie copied the Gosset wax closely for this medallion, other Franklin portraits by Wedgwood (see 2009.6 and 2009.7) eliminate the sitter's wig and waistcoat. |
Medium |
Ceramic jasperware |
Dimensions |
H-5.5 W-4 inches |
Dimension Details |
Oval Framed: 9.125 x 7.75 x 1.375 |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society. Gift of the estate of Isaac Minis Hays, 1967. |
Search Terms |
18th century eighteenth century sculpture Founding Father profile |