Not on display

Medallion

1789 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This blue jasper medallion allegorically depicts the French Revolution in a white relief. The design is adapted from Wedgwood's Sydney Cove medallion to celebrate the French Revolution. The figure previously representing Peace is now probably intended as Fortuna or Concordia. She is holding a staff surmounted by the Revolutionary Phrygian cap and a shield with the royal fleur-de-lys representing King Louis XVI of France is to be seen on a column in the background. The other allegories are representing Hope, Art and Labour. The medallion is mounted in a wooden frame.

Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Jasperware with applied relief
Brief description
Medallion, 'French Revolution', blue Jasperware with white applied relief, Josiah Wedgwood and sons, ca. 1789
Physical description
Round medallion, blue Jasperware with white relief of four figures, mounted in a gilded wooden frame.
Dimensions
  • Height: 132mm (Note: including frame hook)
  • Width: 121mm
  • Depth: 20mm
Credit line
V&A Wedgwood Collection. Presented by Art Fund with major support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, private donations and a public appeal.
Object history
 Purchased from Mr Eustance F Callend 1950
Summary
This blue jasper medallion allegorically depicts the French Revolution in a white relief. The design is adapted from Wedgwood's Sydney Cove medallion to celebrate the French Revolution. The figure previously representing Peace is now probably intended as Fortuna or Concordia. She is holding a staff surmounted by the Revolutionary Phrygian cap and a shield with the royal fleur-de-lys representing King Louis XVI of France is to be seen on a column in the background. The other allegories are representing Hope, Art and Labour. The medallion is mounted in a wooden frame.
Other number
9530 - Wedgwood Museum Accession number
Collection
Accession number
WE.7841-2014

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Record createdMarch 2, 2023
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