Wedgwood & Bentley 18thC Basalt Intaglio Seal No.113 Lucius Verus

Exquisite 18th Century Wedgwood & Bentley Basalt Intaglio Seal – No. 113 “Lucius Verus”

On offer is a rare and distinguished 18th century Wedgwood & Bentley basalt intaglio seal, catalogued as No. 113 – “Lucius Verus”. This refined piece of black basalt stoneware exemplifies the neoclassical elegance and exceptional quality for which the Wedgwood & Bentley partnership became renowned in the late 1700s.

Crafted in fine black basalt, a dense, matte, high-fired stoneware perfected by Josiah Wedgwood, this intaglio seal presents a finely modelled portrait of the Roman Emperor Lucius Verus. The crisp, sharp detailing of the profile and the classical treatment of the subject reflect both the artistic taste and technical mastery of one of the most celebrated names in English ceramics.

This seal is listed as No. 113 “Lucius Verus” in the famous 18th century Wedgwood catalogue:

• A Catalogue of Cameos: Intaglios, Medals, Busts, Small Statues, and Bas-reliefs; with a General Account of Vases and Other Ornaments After the Antique, Made by Wedgwood and Bentley; and Sold at Their Rooms in Greek-Street-Soho, London – 1777.

A comparable seal is also held in the collection of the British Museum, underlining the art-historical importance and museum-level quality of this type of piece.

Key Features

• Maker: Wedgwood & Bentley
• Period: 18th century (Georgian, Neoclassical)
• Material: Black basalt stoneware
• Type: Intaglio seal / engraved seal
• Catalogue Reference: No. 113 – “Lucius Verus”
• Subject: Lucius Verus, Roman Emperor
• Style: Classical / neoclassical portrait in intaglio

Artistic & Historical Significance

Wedgwood & Bentley’s black basalt wares are among the most admired products of 18th century English ceramics. This intaglio seal belongs to a group of classically inspired cameos and intaglios that drew directly from ancient gems, medals, and sculptures. These small objects were highly prized by connoisseurs of the period, used both for sealing documents and as cabinet pieces to be studied and admired.

The subject, Lucius Verus (Roman Emperor from 161–169 AD), reflects the 18th century fascination with classical antiquity and the Roman world. The seal’s finely cut profile is typical of the refined, scholarly taste of the Wedgwood & Bentley clientele, and would have appealed to collectors interested in antique intaglios, classical portraiture, and Grand Tour culture.

Craftsmanship & Material

Black basalt was one of Wedgwood’s most important innovations: a smooth, jet-black stoneware with a subtle sheen, ideal for crisp relief and intaglio work. In this piece, the material allows the engraved image of Lucius Verus to stand out with sharp precision and elegant restraint. The seal’s surface and edges display the fine workmanship and disciplined design that distinguish original 18th century Wedgwood & Bentley production.

Collecting Appeal

This basalt intaglio seal will strongly appeal to:

• Collectors of early Wedgwood and Wedgwood & Bentley
• Specialists in 18th century British ceramics
• Enthusiasts of cameos, intaglios, seals, and glyptic art
• Students of classical antiquity and Grand Tour objects
• Connoisseurs seeking museum-quality neoclassical miniatures

Its direct documentation in the 1777 Wedgwood & Bentley catalogue, together with the existence of a related example in the British Museum, makes this seal not only a beautiful object but also a well-referenced, historically grounded piece suitable for a serious collection or scholarly context.

Condition

Offered in attractive period condition appropriate to its age, with the expected minor signs of handling and time commensurate with an authentic 18th century basalt seal. Any notable features or age-related characteristics will be visible in the photographs; please examine the images closely as they form part of the description.

A Rare Opportunity

Original Wedgwood & Bentley basalt intaglio seals of documented type and subject are increasingly difficult to find, especially those tied so clearly to the 1777 catalogue and to major institutional collections. This “Lucius Verus” seal, No. 113, represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a genuine 18th century Wedgwood & Bentley object that combines refined design, historical interest, and long-established scholarly reference.

Ideal as a focal piece in a Wedgwood collection, a highlight in a cabinet of intaglios, or a distinguished gift for a lover of classical art and fine ceramics.