Wedgwood 18th C Black Basalt Jasperware Medallion Portrait of Martin Folkes

Discover an exceptional piece of early English ceramic history with this 18th century Wedgwood black basalt Jasperware medallion depicting Martin Folkes. Finely modelled and beautifully preserved, this rare portrait medallion exemplifies the refinement, innovation, and neoclassical elegance that made Wedgwood the most celebrated name in Georgian pottery.

Crafted in the late 18th century, this authentic Wedgwood basalt medallion presents a crisply defined portrait of Martin Folkes (1690–1754), the distinguished English antiquary, mathematician, and President of the Royal Society. His likeness was a popular subject among cultured collectors of the period, and this medallion would originally have been prized as both an artistic object and a symbol of intellectual sophistication.

The medallion is formed in black basalt, Wedgwood’s celebrated fine-grained stoneware body, developed in the 1760s and admired throughout Europe for its dense, satin-like surface and striking, classical appearance. While often associated with vases and busts, black basalt portrait medallions are particularly sought after for their historical significance and strong decorative presence.

At approximately 7 cm in height, this piece is perfectly proportioned for cabinet display, framing, or inclusion in a curated collection of 18th century ceramics, portrait medallions, or Wedgwood Jasperware. The modelling is sharp and refined, with well-defined features and a pleasing depth of relief that catch the light beautifully against the smooth, matte basalt ground.

This medallion offers:

• Maker: Wedgwood
• Period: 18th century Georgian
• Material: Black basalt Jasperware
• Subject: Portrait of Martin Folkes
• Height: Approx. 7 cm
• Type: Portrait medallion / plaque

Pieces such as this are highly desirable to collectors of antique Wedgwood, Georgian portraiture, and neoclassical decorative arts. Its compact size and timeless black profile make it exceptionally versatile: ideal for a refined study, library, or drawing room, and perfectly suited to display alongside other basalt wares, cameos, intaglios, or framed miniatures.

The medallion’s subtle yet luxurious presence embodies the qualities that define the best Wedgwood: harmony of form, clarity of detail, and a restrained, classical palette. Whether you are building a focused collection of 18th century Wedgwood basalt or seeking a single, museum-quality accent to elevate an interior, this portrait of Martin Folkes offers both aesthetic beauty and historical depth.

This is a genuine period piece, not a modern reproduction, and represents an increasingly scarce opportunity to acquire an original 18th century Wedgwood black basalt portrait medallion. Its combination of subject, condition, and age make it an outstanding choice for discerning collectors and connoisseurs of fine English ceramics.

Add this distinguished Wedgwood medallion to your collection and enjoy a rare convergence of art, science, and history captured in beautifully worked black basalt Jasperware.