Wedgwood Black Basalt Bust of George Washington

This stately and handsome black basalt bust of George Washington was crafted by the incomparable Wedgwood. Resting on a graceful circular socle, this important rendition of the Founding Father of the United States displays the artistry and detail Wedgwood is renowned for. A similar bust based on Jean Antoine Houdon’s statue of Washington in the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond made for the 1876 American Centennial Celebration currently resides at the Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum in Alexandria, Virginia.

Considered a crowning achievement of Wedgwood, black basalt was created by blending manganese with an iron-oxide rich slurry procured from coal mines called carr. In addition to the impressive color, this combination also provided additional strength and solidity. While it initially proved challenging to fire because of its weight, that same characteristic was an advantage to creating ornaments, lending stability to library busts and vases, including the present example.

Impressed uppercase mark

19th century

8 1/2" wide x 6 5/8" deep x 13 1/2" high