Sir William Hamilton
Medallion
ca. 1772 (made)
ca. 1772 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
Portrait medallions had long been made in metal, and were popular in wax and ivory in mid-18th century England. Wedgwood, however, was the first person to manufacture them in stoneware on a commercial scale.
Use
Wedgwood's medallions of 'Modern Subjects' were probably hung on the wall, in wood or brass frames, to display the political and cultural allegiances of the household. Sets of portrait medallions were also kept in cabinets. Wedgwood's letters indicate that his 'Modern Subjects' sold best when their subjects were most topical.
People
Sir William Hamilton (1730-1803), the subject of this medallion, was a diplomat at the Court of Naples between 1764 and 1800. There he took a close interest in the archaeological excavations at Herculaneum and Pompeii and formed a vast collection of Greek and Roman vases. The collection was published in four volumes, the first of which appeared in 1766-1767 (an important landmark in the development of the Neo-classical style), and it was bought by the British Museum in 1772. Hamilton's collection was the most important source of designs for Wedgwood's encaustic vases.
Portrait medallions had long been made in metal, and were popular in wax and ivory in mid-18th century England. Wedgwood, however, was the first person to manufacture them in stoneware on a commercial scale.
Use
Wedgwood's medallions of 'Modern Subjects' were probably hung on the wall, in wood or brass frames, to display the political and cultural allegiances of the household. Sets of portrait medallions were also kept in cabinets. Wedgwood's letters indicate that his 'Modern Subjects' sold best when their subjects were most topical.
People
Sir William Hamilton (1730-1803), the subject of this medallion, was a diplomat at the Court of Naples between 1764 and 1800. There he took a close interest in the archaeological excavations at Herculaneum and Pompeii and formed a vast collection of Greek and Roman vases. The collection was published in four volumes, the first of which appeared in 1766-1767 (an important landmark in the development of the Neo-classical style), and it was bought by the British Museum in 1772. Hamilton's collection was the most important source of designs for Wedgwood's encaustic vases.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Sir William Hamilton (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Unglazed white stoneware |
| Brief description | Medallion portrait of Sir William Hamilton, British ambassador at Naples |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
From 1764 to 1800 Sir William Hamilton was the British representative in Naples, at the centre of an area rich in ancient remains. He became a famous connoisseur and collector, especially of ancient Greek vases. A record of his collections was published between 1766 and 1776 and profoundly influenced British design, including the products of Josiah Wedgwood's ceramic factory.(27/03/2003) |
| Object history | Modelled by Joachim Smith (born about 1737, died in 1814); made at Josiah Wedgwood's factory, Etruria, Staffordshire |
| Summary | Object Type Portrait medallions had long been made in metal, and were popular in wax and ivory in mid-18th century England. Wedgwood, however, was the first person to manufacture them in stoneware on a commercial scale. Use Wedgwood's medallions of 'Modern Subjects' were probably hung on the wall, in wood or brass frames, to display the political and cultural allegiances of the household. Sets of portrait medallions were also kept in cabinets. Wedgwood's letters indicate that his 'Modern Subjects' sold best when their subjects were most topical. People Sir William Hamilton (1730-1803), the subject of this medallion, was a diplomat at the Court of Naples between 1764 and 1800. There he took a close interest in the archaeological excavations at Herculaneum and Pompeii and formed a vast collection of Greek and Roman vases. The collection was published in four volumes, the first of which appeared in 1766-1767 (an important landmark in the development of the Neo-classical style), and it was bought by the British Museum in 1772. Hamilton's collection was the most important source of designs for Wedgwood's encaustic vases. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 275-1866 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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