John Flaxman

1 portrait

John Flaxman

by John Flaxman
plaster cast of medallion, circa 1790-1795
5 7/8 in. (149 mm) diameter
Purchased, 1931
Primary Collection
NPG 2487

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John Flaxman (1755-1826), Sculptor. Sitter in 22 portraits, Artist associated with 14 portraits.

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John Flaxman (1755-1826), Sculptor. Artist associated with 14 portraits, Sitter in 22 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This plaster cast, done in Rome or in London soon after the sculptor's return in 1794, is also found in the form of a Wedgwood Jasper relief. In his early years, Flaxman was employed by Josiah Wedgwood to design cameos, friezes and portrait medallions. Although this roundel and its pair show him and his wife, they reveal much about the artist and his patron. The original wax portraits, from which these medallions were cast, were probably made while the Flaxmans lived in Rome under Wedgwood's sponsorship.