Not currently on display at the V&A

King George III

Relief
1760-1778 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Wax is used as a sculpting material for preliminary models and for works in their own right. It is quick and easy to shape, yet also cheap. Once softened, it is modelled in a similar way to clay, with the composition built up gradually. To enhance the wax, pigment can be added before moulding and pearls or other jewels can be embedded in the surface afterwards. Isaac Gosset came from a family of wax modellers and was said to have been able to produce a startling likeness in just half an hour. He was highly successful, with clients from the royal family and the aristocracy.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleKing George III
Materials and techniques
Wax, on glass
Brief description
Relief, Wax, English, by Isaac Gosset (1713-1799), about 1760-1778
Physical description
The profile, in cream wax on black glass, of the king is shown facing to the right. He wears a long curled wig tied with a ribbon and an elaborately trimmed frock coat over a frilled shirt.
Dimensions
  • Height: 18cm
  • Framed width: 15cm
Marks and inscriptions
'I. GOSSETT / Berwick Street, Soho / George the third'. (Label on the back.)
Credit line
From the Mary Bate collection
Object history
From the Mary Bate Collection, ex. loan 89. Bought from Philip Bate for £150.
Historical context
Another version of this medallion in wax with an original frame and acting as a pendant to a wax of Queen Charlotte was on sale by the dealer John May, 40 Kensington Church Street, London, July 1987.
Subject depicted
Summary
Wax is used as a sculpting material for preliminary models and for works in their own right. It is quick and easy to shape, yet also cheap. Once softened, it is modelled in a similar way to clay, with the composition built up gradually. To enhance the wax, pigment can be added before moulding and pearls or other jewels can be embedded in the surface afterwards. Isaac Gosset came from a family of wax modellers and was said to have been able to produce a startling likeness in just half an hour. He was highly successful, with clients from the royal family and the aristocracy.
Bibliographic references
  • Reilly, R and Savage, G. Wedgwood: the Portrait Medallions, London, Barrie & Jenkins 1973 p.163
  • Pyke, E.J. A Biographical Dictionary of Wax Modellers, Oxford, 1973, pp. 56-59.
Collection
Accession number
A.57-1970

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdMarch 18, 2004
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest