Rare Wedgwood & Bentley Cane Ware Apotheosis of Homer Plaque John Flaxman c.1779

Description: Rare large antique Wedgwood & Bentley caneware (cane ware) framed rectangular plaque with profound "Apotheosis of Homer" bas-relief, modeled by John Flaxman, Jr. (English sculptor and designer, 1755-1826; worked for Wedgwood since 1775) in 1778. Plaque depicts the Apotheosis of Homer, an ancient Greek and Roman ceremony in which the legendary poet becomes a god. Flaxman's work was based on an illustration from "Collection of Etruscan, Greek and Roman Antiquities from the Cabinet of the Hon. William Hamilton" by Pierre-François (Hugues) d'Hancarville (Florence, 1776; Vol. III, Plate 31). "Apotheosis of Homer" (a/k/a, A Victorious Kitharist and The Crowing of a Kitharist) is considered to be the most important bas-relief by created by Flaxman for Wedgwood. "Apotheosis of Homer" was first created as a relief for a black basalt and solid blue jasperware plaques in 1778, as noted by Jasiah Wedgwood in his letter to Thomas Bentley. It was subsequently (c.1786) used as the main ornament for the Wedgwood’s first and the most known Pegasus vase. The plaque we are offering for your consideration is made of caneware, the Staffordshire light buff color dry-body stoneware. Wedgwood started producing it since 1770 with the first experimental pieces made in 1771. Caneware formula was improved in 1783 and it (as bamboo or cane-colored porcelain) commercial production began in 1787. Only a few caneware pieces were made during the Wedgwood & Bentley era primarily teapots and planters. However, there were also some experimental items in caneware made such as the "The Triumph of Bacchus" plaque, Voltaire and Rousseau figurines, and several portrait medallions, e.g., William Shakespeare and Samuel More. Most likely, "Apotheosis of Homer" was one of those from 1779-80. Aside from a barely noticeable chip in the upper right corner, the plaque is in excellent antique condition, whereas the frame shows some ware. Please review the posted pics for more details and let us know if you'd like to see more. Questions are encouraged and welcome. Dimensions: frame: 17 7/8" x 11" x 1 3/4", sight area: 14 1/4" x 7 3/8"; tile: 14 3/4" x 7 3/4". Marks: Wedgwood & Bentley; c.1779. We offer free shipping to all the Buyers residing in the US 48 contiguous states. Dear Buyers from all other geographies, would you please contact us about S&H (always include insurance) in advance. The eBay's Global Ship Program is the default option for all international shipments - please take a look at its Terms & Conditions. However, we would be happy to work with you on finding the most economical way to ship the purchases to you. Additionally, import duties, taxes, and other charges, if any, are not included in the item prices or our shipping charges. These fees are the buyer's responsibility. Therefore, would you please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying. Thank You!

Price: 5499.99 USD

Location: Mohnton, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2024-12-20T00:39:16.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD