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Moffitts Antiques

Wedgwood Blue Jasperware Medallion Admiral Keppel 18thC Antique Cameo

Wedgwood Blue Jasperware Medallion Admiral Keppel 18thC Antique Cameo

Regular price £319.99 GBP
Regular price Sale price £319.99 GBP
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Indulge in the timeless elegance of Georgian-era design with this exquisite late 18th-century Wedgwood blue jasperware medallion, finely modelled with the portrait of Admiral Augustus Keppel. A superb example of early Wedgwood artistry, this antique medallion combines historical significance, refined neoclassical style, and exceptional craftsmanship, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors of fine British ceramics and decorative arts.

Expertly crafted in the iconic Wedgwood pale blue and white jasperware, the medallion displays a beautifully detailed white relief portrait of Admiral Keppel in profile, set against the classic matte blue ground for which Wedgwood became world-famous. The modelling is crisp and sharply defined, capturing the character and presence of one of Britain’s notable 18th-century naval figures. The surface is gently convex, giving the portrait a subtle three-dimensional quality and an elegant, sculptural appearance on the wall.

To the reverse, the medallion is inscribed with Keppel’s name and bears the Wedgwood mark, confirming its authenticity and period manufacture. These early jasperware portrait medallions were produced in the late 18th century under the direction of Josiah Wedgwood himself and are now recognised as important examples of neoclassical design and British ceramic history. Pieces of this age, quality, and subject are increasingly scarce on the market, particularly in such well-preserved condition.

This example survives in remarkably good condition for its age. The jasperware body is clean and well-maintained, with no restoration noted, and the relief retains its crisp detail and attractive contrast. The medallion comes presented in a hanging frame, ready to display as a focal point in a refined interior, whether among a collection of antique portrait medallions, alongside other Wedgwood jasperware, or as a single statement piece in a study, library, or drawing room.

Admiral Augustus Keppel was a prominent 18th-century British naval commander, and Wedgwood’s portrait medallions of such figures were highly prized in their own day as expressions of taste, learning, and patriotism. Today they are sought after by collectors of Wedgwood, Georgian portraiture, naval history, and neoclassical decorative arts. This medallion offers not only aesthetic appeal but also a tangible connection to the cultural and political milieu of late 18th-century Britain.

Key features:

  • Authentic late 18th-century Wedgwood blue jasperware medallion
  • Portrait of Admiral Augustus Keppel in white relief on blue ground
  • Reverse inscribed with Keppel’s name and Wedgwood mark
  • Convex surface giving a refined, sculptural profile
  • Presented in a hanging frame, ready for immediate display
  • Remarkably good condition for its age, well-preserved and attractive
  • A rare and desirable piece of British design and ceramic history

This Wedgwood jasperware medallion is ideal for:

  • Serious Wedgwood and jasperware collectors
  • Connoisseurs of Georgian and neoclassical decorative arts
  • Collectors of naval or British historical portraiture
  • Interior designers seeking an authentic period accent piece
  • Discerning buyers looking for a meaningful, historically rich gift

Pieces of this calibre do not appear frequently, particularly in such appealing, display-ready condition. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an original 18th-century Wedgwood portrait medallion of a significant historical figure, combining beauty, rarity, and cultural importance.

Please feel free to send a message with any questions or for additional information or photographs. This distinguished Wedgwood jasperware medallion will make a refined and luxurious addition to any serious collection.

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