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Wax Portrait of Queen Charlotte of Great Britain, Attributed to John Flaxman

$1,500

£1,147.24

€1,312.90

CA$2,134.91

A$2,311.49

CHF 1,228.91

MX$27,878.13

NOK 15,454.25

SEK 14,407.77

DKK 9,805.69

About the Item

The Gardener Queen: Charlotte in Wax Relief This large and extremely rare Wax Portrait of Queen Charlotte (1744-1818), the wife of King George III, is a compelling piece of late 18th-century portraiture, attributed to John Flaxman (1755-1826). The Queen is presented in profile, facing right, captured in the popular contemporary persona of the "wife of the Farmer King." This idealized, pastoral guise reflects the Royal Family's deliberate cultivation of a less formal, more virtuous image, particularly in connection with King George III's interest in agriculture. The figure is finely modeled in colored wax, a demanding and delicate medium. She wears a simple but elegant blue gown with a white lace trim at the bodice and shoulder. Her hair is styled and adorned with a garland of spring flowers and a blue bow. Crucially, the three-dimensional wax bust is set against a dramatically painted background featuring a full pastoral scene with a bright sky and foliage, a distinctive feature that elevates the piece beyond a simple profile. The piece is housed in its original circular turned wood frame. Dimensions: The portrait measures a substantial 6 1/8 inches in diameter x 1/2 inch height. Reverse Inscription: The piece bears a contemporary inscription on the reverse: "Queen Charlotte/model[sic] in wax / by T (?) Lucus / from the House/Sale," providing an alternative name, possibly an apprentice or an early owner's misattribution. Historical Context: Flaxman, Wax, and the Royal Image The art of wax modeling saw a resurgence in popularity in 18th-century England, used extensively for miniature portraits and preparatory work for ceramics. The Flaxman Attribution: The primary attribution is to John Flaxman (1755–1826), one of the foremost Neoclassical sculptors of his age. Flaxman came from a family of wax modellers and, critically, began working for Josiah Wedgwood in 1775. His work involved designing and modeling portraits and allegorical reliefs in wax and clay, which were then translated into Jasperware and Basalt medallions. The high-relief, sharply defined profile and classical simplicity of this wax portrait compare favorably to his confirmed work, such as the black jasper medallion of Queen Charlotte created for Wedgwood around 1789. The "Farmer King" Persona: King George III and Queen Charlotte actively promoted an image of domestic virtue and simple living, contrasting with the extravagance of earlier courts. The King was often referred to as the "Farmer King" due to his passion for agriculture. Depicting the Queen in pastoral attire, adorned with flowers, was a flattering way to participate in this popular narrative of a wholesome monarchy, making the portrait a piece of early royal propaganda as well as fine art. The size and detail of this piece indicate it was an important commission, likely intended for a private cabinet or display, and stands as a testament to the intersection of royal patronage, fine art modeling, and the Georgian fascination with miniature portraiture. Reference John Flaxman's Work for Wedgwood: The portrait's style is noted to compare favorably with Flaxman's documented work, such as his black jasper medallion of Queen Charlotte (circa 1789), produced for Josiah Wedgwood. Flaxman's career as a wax and clay modeler for Wedgwood from 1775 is well-documented in ceramic history. (As per reference to Reilly's commentary on Flaxman's work for Wedgwood.) (Ref: NY8123-kma)

Dimensions:

Height: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)Diameter: 6.13 in (15.58 cm)

Style:

Georgian (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Other

Place of Origin:

England

Period:

Late 18th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1790

Condition:

Seller Location:

Downingtown, PA

Reference Number:

Seller: NY8123-kma1stDibs: LU86109451873

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