Rare Bronze Relief of Eros by Wedgwood in Gold, c. 1800 & Later

Today, the name Wedgwood is primarily associated with the blue-and-white bisque porcelain known as Jasperware, which often features scenes from classical antiquity. Yet the English manufacturer, founded in 1759, had an interest in ancient art that extended far beyond the production of tableware. In its historical catalogues, Wedgwood offered a wide selection of cameos, intaglios, medals, and reliefs modeled after ancient cameos and contemporary neoclassical designs. Many of these small sculptural works were specifically intended to be set in gold or steel and worn as rings, bracelets, lockets, or other pieces of jewellery. This oval locket is made of dark-patinated bronze. Against the smooth background rises the finely modeled figure of a naked, winged youth. He is presumably Cupid or Eros: in his lowered right hand he holds a quiver of arrows, while his left arm is draped across his chest. His slightly tilted head, the leg brought forward, and the narrow wings extending downward behind his body lend the figure a posture that is both contemplative and elegant. A narrow pedestal makes it appear like a small ancient sculpture. A matching piece is now in the Birmingham Museum of Art, Alabama, Inv. No. AFI.1453.2011. There, the locket—measuring approximately 5.1 × 3.3 centimeters—is attributed to Wedgwood and is also listed as a bronze work; see also here. At a later date, the bronze was set into a simple mount crafted from high-karat gold. Its smooth oval frame follows the contour of the locket without competing with its design. The matte yellow gold forms a striking contrast to the dark brown patina of the bronze; a wide, adjustable loop allows the pendant to be worn on a chain or a fabric cord. In this way, the piece of jewellery connects three distinct eras: the formal language of classical antiquity, its rediscovery in English Classicism, and its later transformation into a modern, wearable piece of jewellery.

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