French Revolution Medallion
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1789
This round commemorative medallion was manufactured by Josiah Wedgwood and Sons in Etruria around 1789. Made of blue Jasperware, it features an applied white bas-relief depicting an allegorical scene celebrating the French Revolution. The composition is adapted from Wedgwood's earlier Sydney Cove medallion.
The relief portrays four figures. A figure previously representing Peace is reinterpreted here, likely as Fortuna or Concordia, holding a staff surmounted by a Revolutionary Phrygian cap. In the background, a column carries a shield emblazoned with the royal fleur-de-lys representing King Louis XVI of France. The remaining figures present allegories of Hope, Art, and Labour. The circular Jasperware medallion is housed in a square gilded wooden frame. With its mount and frame hook, the complete piece measures 132 mm in height, 121 mm in width, and 20 mm in depth.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The medallion was purchased from Mr Eustance F Callend in 1950 and forms part of the V&A Wedgwood Collection.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Jasperware with applied relief
- Dimensions
- Height: 132 mm; Width: 121 mm; Depth: 20 mm
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Josiah Wedgwood and Sons
- Place recorded
- Etruria
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Medallion
- Museum object number
- WE.7841-2014
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.