Wedgwood & Bentley Basalt Intaglio Seal No.225 Henry IV of France c.18th C

Exquisite 18th Century Wedgwood & Bentley Basalt Intaglio Seal – Henry IV of France, No. 225

On offer is a rare and highly desirable 18th century Wedgwood & Bentley basalt intaglio seal, depicting Henry IV of France. This finely modelled piece is catalogued as No. 225 in the original Wedgwood & Bentley listings and is a superb example of early neo-classical taste and English ceramic artistry.

Crafted in rich black basalt stoneware, this intaglio shows the classic Wedgwood & Bentley combination of refined modelling, elegant proportions and scholarly subject matter. The portrait of Henry IV is crisply rendered, with careful attention to facial features and period dress, embodying the high standards of the Soho workshops in the late 18th century.

Key Features

• Maker: Wedgwood & Bentley
• Period: 18th century
• Material: Black basalt stoneware
• Subject: Henry IV of France (Henri IV)
• Catalogue Reference: No. 225 (original Wedgwood & Bentley catalogue)
• Approximate Height: 1.2 cm
• Type: Intaglio seal / portrait medallion

Historical and Scholarly Significance

This intaglio is documented in the important 18th century 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). Being listed in this catalogue firmly places the piece within the early, highly collectable Wedgwood & Bentley period.

Basalt portrait seals and intaglios of this era were acquired by educated collectors, connoisseurs and Grand Tour travellers as tangible expressions of classical learning and historical interest. A subject such as Henry IV of France would have appealed both for its royal connection and for its association with European political and cultural history.

Luxury Basalt Craftsmanship

Wedgwood’s black basalt is prized for its silky, dense body and its ability to capture fine detail. In this seal, the smooth, matt black surface provides a striking contrast to the sharp modelling of the intaglio portrait. The material was specifically developed by Josiah Wedgwood to rival antique hardstones and bronze, and it quickly became the medium of choice for high-end decorative wares, medallions and seals.

Despite its diminutive size, the seal has a strong presence: the carefully judged relief and disciplined outline give it a jewel-like quality. Pieces of this calibre were often mounted in rings, fobs or small frames, or kept in cabinets of curiosities alongside cameos, medals and engraved gems.

For the Discerning Collector

This Wedgwood & Bentley basalt intaglio seal of Henry IV will appeal to collectors of:

• Early Wedgwood & Bentley wares
• Basalt portrait medallions and seals
• 18th century neo-classical ceramics
• Royal and historical portraiture
• Grand Tour and scholarly decorative arts

Its documented status in the 1777 catalogue, combined with the prestigious Wedgwood & Bentley partnership, makes this an especially attractive acquisition for anyone building a focused collection of early Wedgwood, fine intaglios, or historically themed ceramics.

Condition & Presentation

The seal presents as a well-preserved 18th century piece, with detail and character commensurate with age and careful handling. As with all antique basalt and early Wedgwood items, minor signs of age and use should be expected, but these only enhance the authenticity and charm of the piece.

Its compact size (approximately 1.2 cm in height) makes it ideal for display in a cabinet, as part of a group of intaglios, or as a highlight within a collection of early English ceramics and small works of art.

A Refined Addition to Any Collection

Combining rare early Wedgwood & Bentley production, black basalt luxury, and a royal French subject, this intaglio seal is a distinguished and scholarly object. It offers not only aesthetic beauty but also a direct link to the world of 18th century connoisseurship, classical revival design and the golden age of English pottery.

For collectors seeking an authentic, catalogued 18th century Wedgwood & Bentley basalt intaglio, this Henry IV seal, No. 225, is a highly desirable and evocative piece.