figure
- Museum number
- 1887,0307,II.46
- Description
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Figure, porcelain, depicting John Wilkes leaning on pillar on which are two inscribed scrolls, a wreath enclosing an inscription and below, a Cupid seated holding cap of Liberty and book (Locke's "Government"); painted in colours and gilt; moulded base and octagonal plinth with scrollwork and four panels with exotic birds.
- Production date
- 1768-73 (circa)
- Dimensions
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Height: 15.50 inches
- $Inscriptions
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- Curator's comments
- Sir Timothy Clifford has suggested that the model is inspired by Peter Scheemakers model of Shakespeare at Westminster Abbey. The companion figure is Henry Seymour Conway, also in the collection 1887,0307, II.47. The figure probably dates to 1768-1770, when the radical politician returned to London to seek a parliamentary seat.
This is No. 126 in the Haslem factory list of figures. The model was adapted from Nathaniel Dance's painting, now in the National Portrait Gallery, with the addition of a cloak probably to provide support in the kiln.
- Location
- On display (G46/dc18)
- Exhibition history
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Exhibited:
2015 13 Mar-1 Sep, London, The British Library, Magna Carta
- Acquisition date
- 1887
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- 1887,0307,II.46