Wedgwood & Bentley 18thC Black Basalt Jasperware Medallion of Melancthon

Indulge in the elegance of late 18th century English neoclassicism with this exceptional Wedgwood & Bentley black basalt Jasperware portrait medallion of Philip Melancthon. A refined and scholarly subject rendered in Wedgwood’s celebrated basalt body, this piece embodies the intellectual and artistic ideals that defined the Georgian era.

Dating from the late 1700s, this medallion is a highly desirable example of early Wedgwood & Bentley production, created during the partnership between Josiah Wedgwood and Thomas Bentley. The period is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and artistically accomplished phases in the factory’s history, when portrait medallions, classical subjects and basalt ware reached new heights of quality and design.

Key Features:

• Maker: Wedgwood & Bentley
• Period: 18th century (Georgian)
• Material: Black basalt Jasperware
• Subject: Philip Melancthon (Melancton), prominent Reformation scholar
• Form: Portrait medallion with suspension hanger
• Height: Approximately 7 cm
• Condition note: Visible cracks through the top near the hanger (structural and cosmetic), priced and described accordingly

This compact yet powerful piece is modelled in a rich, matte black basalt body, a material perfected by Wedgwood to emulate the depth and gravitas of classical stone. The portrait of Melancthon is crisply defined, with fine attention to facial features, hair and drapery, demonstrating the superb modelling and firing control that made Wedgwood & Bentley the leading name in 18th century portrait medallions.

Black basalt was one of Josiah Wedgwood’s most important innovations, prized for its smooth, velvety surface and its strong association with ancient Roman and Etruscan wares. In combination with the intellectual subject of Melancthon, this medallion perfectly captures the Enlightenment fascination with classical taste, scholarship and moral virtue. These medallions were often collected by cultured patrons, displayed in libraries, studies, and drawing rooms as statements of learning and refinement.

The subject, Philip Melancthon (often spelled Melancton in period English sources), was a key figure of the Protestant Reformation, famed for his scholarship, humanism and theological influence. His portrait was part of Wedgwood’s celebrated series of historical and intellectual medallions, which included philosophers, scientists, reformers and classical heroes. Owning such a piece today offers a tangible link to the taste, values and collecting habits of the 18th century elite.

Condition

As with many genuine 18th century ceramics, this medallion shows signs of age and use. There are cracks through the top near the hanger, visible on inspection. These cracks do not detract from the historical importance and decorative appeal of the piece, but they are clearly present and should be noted by the discerning collector. The main portrait area remains legible and attractive, and the medallion retains its original period character.

This honest, unrestored condition will appeal to collectors who value authenticity and originality in antique Wedgwood. The piece is offered as found, with no modern overpainting or repair to obscure its age-related features. Please refer to all photographs (if available in the listing) for a detailed visual assessment.

Display & Collecting Appeal

At approximately 7 cm in height, this medallion is ideal for display in a cabinet of curiosities, a dedicated Wedgwood collection, or a finely curated mantel or desk arrangement. It can be:

• Mounted in a small frame or shadow box as a focal point
• Grouped with other portrait medallions for a striking neoclassical display
• Presented alongside books, manuscripts and scholarly objects in a library or study

This piece is especially suited to collectors of:

• Early Wedgwood & Bentley wares
• Black basalt and Jasperware
• 18th century portrait medallions
• Georgian neoclassical decorative arts
• Reformation and humanist historical figures

Investment & Provenance Potential

Genuine 18th century Wedgwood & Bentley medallions are increasingly sought after on the international market. Their combination of artistic merit, historical subject matter and technical innovation makes them highly collectible and enduringly desirable. While condition is always a factor, early basalt portrait medallions remain an important category for serious collectors of British ceramics.

This medallion offers an accessible opportunity to acquire a real 18th century Wedgwood & Bentley piece at a more modest level than pristine examples, while still enjoying the depth of history, craftsmanship and intellectual significance that these works represent.

Summary

• Authentic late 18th century Wedgwood & Bentley black basalt Jasperware medallion
• Portrait of Philip Melancthon, a key Reformation scholar
• Finely modelled neoclassical design, approx. 7 cm high
• Cracks near the top hanger, consistent with age; sold as described
• Ideal for collectors of antique Wedgwood, basalt, and Georgian portrait medallions

For the connoisseur of fine English ceramics, this Wedgwood & Bentley basalt medallion offers a rare opportunity to add a piece of museum-quality history and neoclassical elegance to a serious collection or refined interior.