The Wedgwood Museum

Portrait medallion of Joshua Reynolds with integral frame, Jasper blue frame, green background, white relief. Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) was born near Plymouth. He studied in London from 1740 travelling to Rome between 1749 and 1752. He returned to London, where he rapidly achieved a high reputation as a portrait painter. He was a founder member of the Royal Academy and its first President from 1768. he was also one of the earliest members of the Incorporated Society of Artists.Reynolds was knighted in 1769 and became painter to George III in 1784. He was responsible for portraits of Josiah Wedgwood and his wife Sarah, painted in 1782 and 83 respectively. Reynolds also provided a testimony on the quality of the japer Portland Vase when he was shown a copy in June 1790. Three bas reliefs were adapted from from Reynolds paintings. These are: ‘The infants Academy’, ‘The Infant Hercules slaying a serpent’ and ‘Venus chiding cupid’ all after his paintings.

• Type of object: Plaques and medallions/plaque
• Mark: ‘WEDGWOOD’ (impressed) ‘Sir J. Reynolds’ (incised)
• Year first produced: 1880
• Body: Jasper
• Material: Ceramic
• Decoration: Moulded
• Accession number: 2847
• Dimensions: 88 mm (height), 66 mm (height)