This is a very RARE and beautiful Wadgwood loose basalt intaglio seal from the 18th century. The seal depicts the busts of two classical males. This intaglio is marked Wadgwood and not Wedgwood, which means it is almost certainly one of the Jean Voyez pieces. Jean Voyez was enthusiastically hired by Josiah Wedgwood in 1768 for a job as a modeler at the Burslem factory, where it was quickly discovered that his resume might have been inflated and that his talents were not suited to creation. Wedgewood kept the faith and shifted his workload to replicate the originals of Mrs. Lande, a skill that would later make him notorious. Within the year, Voyez got in trouble with the law for stealing the models and moulds and was sentenced to public flogging and imprisonment. Wedgwood & Bentley decided he was nothing but trouble but recognized he held the key to many company secrets and had the skill to train their competitors. They agreed to pay his board and wage for two years for doing nothing to keep him away from the competitors. This fails, and Voyez becomes a master forger and an employee of the very reputable James Tassie. Voyez used the "WADGWOJD" moniker as well as "WEDGWOOD."
The intricate intaglio design and the seal's history make it a unique and special piece. A Wedgwood example of this intaglio is in the V&A collection Accession number WE.2937-2014. This truly is a lovely seal. It would add a touch of sentimental charm to any letter. This seal is a true gem for collectors. It measures " x ". It's perfect for those who appreciate the intricate style of these collectible seals. This would also be wonderful mounted and worn as a piece of jewelry.
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