Wedgwood & Bentley 18thC Black Basalt Intaglio Seal Classical Figure 586

Exquisite 18th Century Wedgwood & Bentley Basalt Intaglio Seal – Classical Figure, No. 586

On offer is a rare and refined 18th century Wedgwood & Bentley black basalt intaglio seal, finely modelled with a classical figure, and bearing the reference number 586. This elegant piece epitomises the sophisticated neo-classical taste that made Wedgwood & Bentley the foremost name in luxury ceramics in Georgian England.

Crafted in black basalt stoneware – Wedgwood’s famous dense, matte black body – this seal displays crisp, highly detailed modelling characteristic of the period. The intaglio design, cut in reverse for sealing, shows a classical figure rendered with poise and restraint, echoing the antique gems and cameos that inspired the partnership’s most celebrated works.

Key Features

• Maker: Wedgwood & Bentley
• Period: 18th century (Georgian, neo-classical)
• Material: Black basalt stoneware
• Type: Intaglio seal with classical figure
• Design: Intricate, sharply defined intaglio carving
• Reference: Seal no. 586
• Style: Neo-classical, inspired by antique gems and cameos

Historical & Artistic Significance

This Wedgwood & Bentley basalt intaglio seal reflects the height of 18th century taste for the antique. The partnership between Josiah Wedgwood and Thomas Bentley (c. 1769–1780) focused on highly finished luxury wares for an elite clientele, including aristocratic collectors of classical art. Their black basalt body was particularly prized for its sculptural quality and its ability to render fine detail with a subtle, refined surface.

The intaglio design on this seal is directly in line with the pieces catalogued in the landmark publication:

• 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).

Comparable basalt seals and intaglios by Wedgwood & Bentley are represented in major museum collections, including the British Museum, which holds a seal of similar type. This situates the present piece firmly within the canon of important early Wedgwood production and makes it highly desirable for serious collectors of British ceramics and classical revival art.

Material: Black Basalt Stoneware

Black basalt was one of Wedgwood’s most innovative and successful bodies. Dense, fine-grained and satin-matte, it was specifically designed to emulate the depth and richness of classical hardstones and bronzes. Its exceptional modelling properties allowed Wedgwood & Bentley to produce seals, cameos and medallions with sharply defined detail, making it ideal for intaglio work such as this.

The present seal showcases these qualities beautifully, with the classical figure crisply defined against the dark ground. The contrast of light and shadow across the matte black surface enhances the three-dimensional effect of the intaglio and underscores the technical mastery of the Wedgwood & Bentley workshops.

Collecting Appeal

This 18th century Wedgwood & Bentley intaglio seal will appeal to:

• Collectors of early Wedgwood, especially the Wedgwood & Bentley period.
• Enthusiasts of seals, intaglios and cameos seeking a documented, museum-comparable example.
• Lovers of neo-classical design and Georgian decorative arts.
• Scholars and connoisseurs interested in the relationship between ceramics, antique gems and classical iconography.

Pieces like this, with clear 18th century character and connections to published catalogues and institutional collections, are increasingly hard to find on the market. Its compact size and refined subject make it ideal for display in a cabinet of curiosities, alongside other seals and cameos, or as a focal point in a specialised Wedgwood collection.

Condition

Offered in collectable antique condition, appropriate to its age. Any minor wear or surface marks are consistent with genuine 18th century basalt and only enhance the authenticity and character of the piece. Please refer to the photographs for the best visual guide to condition and detail.

Provenance & References

• Documentary Reference: Comparable pieces recorded in the 1777 Wedgwood & Bentley catalogue of cameos, intaglios and related works.
• Comparative Example: A seal of similar type preserved in the British Museum, confirming the importance and quality of this class of object.

With its combination of historic significance, luxurious black basalt body and finely rendered classical subject, this Wedgwood & Bentley intaglio seal, no. 586, represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire an authentic piece of 18th century ceramic art at its most refined.