Images(2)

Medallion: "M I BRUTUS"

Dateca. 1779

Artist/Maker Wedgwood & Bentley (1768-1780)

OriginEngland, Staffordshire, Etruria

MediumStoneware, unglazed (black basalt)

DimensionsDiam.: 1 1/8"

Credit LineGift of Dr. and Mrs. Victor H. Polikoff

Object number2000-142

DescriptionBlack basalt medallion with profile of a man with wavy hair, above his head are words: M I BRUTUS. On reverse are the figures of three men stabbing with knives a fourth man who is lying on the ground. Beneath this scene are the words "DENNIERS EFFORTS DE LA LIBERTE A R "730(?)".
Label TextThis rare black basalt medallion produced by the partnership of Wedgwood & Bentley at the Etruria works in Staffordshire is part of a series, which copied bronze medals produced by the Dassiers, a Swiss family of numismatists and engravers. This example, number 53 in the series, depicts the head of Marcus Junius Brutus on the obverse and The Last Efforts of Liberty on the reverse.

Medallions of this type were intended to be cabinet pieces. They were considered an important part of any gentleman's well-furnished library.
MarkingsNo maker's mark
ProvenanceEx. Coll. Dr. Victor H. Polikoff.